Ampeleia

Overview

Ampeleia is a wine estate located in Alta Maremma, below the medieval town of Roccatederighi. Established in 2002, the project developed around a clear ambition: to produce wines that faithfully represent their place of origin through careful viticulture and precise winemaking.

Today the estate is led by winemaker and director Marco Tait. They call themselves Gentle Souls because their work is guided by a measured, respectful approach to farming and production — one that seeks to preserve balance and interpret the landscape without overstatement.

Terroir

The estate extends over 120 hectares, of which 35 are planted to vineyards. The parcels are distributed across four distinct areas ranging from 250 to 550 meters above sea level. These high-hills vineyards are surrounded by oak forests and Mediterranean vegetation, creating a strong interaction between woodland and vines.

Altitude plays a key role in defining the wines’ profile. While the proximity to the Tyrrhenian coast ensures Mediterranean light and ventilation, the inland elevation of Alta Maremma brings cooler nights and significant diurnal shifts, supporting aromatic precision and structural balance.

The soils are diverse and mineral-rich, shaped by a long geological history: it’s a UNESCO-recognized area known for its complex subsoil composition. This geological diversity contributes to the depth and mineral character found across the range.

Wines

Cabernet Franc represents the core of Ampeleia’s identity. In this environment, the variety expresses structure, tension and refined aromatics, combining Mediterranean warmth with altitude-driven freshness. It serves as the backbone of the estate’s production and defines its stylistic direction.

Alongside Cabernet Franc, other Mediterranean varieties such as Alicante Nero, Carignano and Mourvèdre enhance complexity and territorial coherence. The white varieties Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia and Ansonica are co-planted within a single vineyard, reflecting a traditional agricultural model and encouraging natural balance in the field. A small parcel of Merlot completes the plantings.

Farming Philosophy

Ampeleia operates as an integrated farm that includes vineyards, olive groves, arable land and woodland. Agricultural management follows biodynamic principles as part of a broader regenerative strategy aimed at enhancing soil vitality, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

This commitment to careful land stewardship underpins the estate’s identity and supports its objective: to craft wines that reflect Alta Maremma with precision, authenticity and continuity over time.