CARLO FERRINI THE ARCHITECT OF ITALIAN WINE
Carlo Ferrini is one of the most significant and widely admired figures in Italian wine.
He’s not just another oenologist who has celebrated the soils of Tuscany he is a creator, a visionary, and a mentor to his own generation and those that followed. His approach to winemaking is almost architectural: first, he sketches his vision in his mind, then masterfully combines his raw materials grape varieties, terroir, climate, and time. The final result reflects the land, the culture, and the deep history of the region.
If you’ve ever tasted a truly unforgettable Chianti, Brunello, or Super Tuscan that left you speechless, there’s a good chance Carlo had a hand in it. But who exactly is the man behind some of Italy’s most acclaimed wines bottles that regularly earn top scores internationally and how did he become one of the most respected names on the global wine map?
Where It All Began. Carlo Ferrini’s Roots and His Impact on Italian Winegrowing
Carlo Ferrini’s reputation has been built methodically over the course of more than 40 years. His early career was as impressive as everything that followed. After graduating from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Florence in 1978, he made his professional debut at the Chianti Classico DOCG Consortium (Consorzio del Chianti Classico). There, he played a leading role in the ambitious “Chianti 2000” project, which aimed to identify the best Sangiovese clones in order to modernize vineyards throughout the Chianti Classico zone.
It was here that Ferrini laid the groundwork for rewriting the history of Italian wine, setting new standards both in viticulture and in the vinification of Sangiovese the grape at the heart of Tuscany.
Landmark Collaborations and Iconic Wines
After the program’s completion, in 1992, Ferrini embarked on a new path as an independent consultant. He quickly built a portfolio featuring some of Italy’s most prestigious wineries, helping elevate their reputation on the international stage.
Among his most notable collaborations are San Leonardo in Trentino, Ricasoli in Chianti Classico, Tenuta Regaleali and Tenuta Tascante in Sicily, and since 1991, he was also a key figure at Fattoria Nittardi. He played a decisive role in shaping some of the wineries’ most historic labels, including Vette di San Leonardo, Terre di San Leonardo, Casalferro, Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Rosso del Conte, and many more. Yes now the connection is clicking into place!
Ferrini earned numerous accolades along the way, unintentionally turning his name into a brand. His involvement with a winery became a seal of high ratings and commercial success. But perhaps his greatest contribution was his fresh perspective on vineyard management and grape handling one that emphasized precision, sustainability, and the full expression of terroir.
A Winemaker Crowned Many Times Over
Carlo Ferrini was named “Oenologist and Winemaker of the Year” by the Italian Sommelier Association, Wine Enthusiast, and Gambero Rosso in 2000, 2003, and 2008. And he was famously dubbed “Mr. Merlot” being the pioneer who introduced Merlot (and Cabernet Sauvignon) to Sangiovese blends, aiming to soften the often rugged edge of traditional Italian reds.
In time, though, Ferrini stepped away from that approach, his confidence in the inherent quality of native Italian varieties growing stronger each year. Today, he remains one of their most passionate defenders.
Podere Giodo: His Personal Quest for Elegance
In 2002, Ferrini decided it was time to bring everything he had learned into one singular vision his own winery. He founded Podere Giodo in Montalcino, in the village of Sant'Angelo in Colle. As a tribute to his parents, he named it “Giodo,” after Giovanna and Donatello.
There, he set out to create his most perfect expression yet: a wine crafted from the finest Sangiovese clones, using meticulous selection and gentle vinification techniques that showcase the character and soul of the land. Together with his daughter Bianca, he cultivates six hectares of top-quality vineyards and produces wines that have become benchmarks of elegance.
The winery itself is harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, blending traditional materials with cutting-edge technology. And the wines? They speak for themselves: the iconic Giodo Brunello di Montalcino, the vibrant Toscana Rosso, and Alberelli di Giodo, made from old-vine Nerello Mascalese on Mount Etna, have earned jaw-dropping reviews.
Critics such as Robert Parker, James Suckling, and leading publications including Wine Enthusiast, Wine Independent, and Decanter consistently award them between 96 and 100 points, often leaving them utterly speechless.
And of course, I’ll end with a quote from one of our favorites, Jancis Robinson, who once remarked that “the wines of Podere Giodo are light years ahead of those Carlo produced as a consultant”. With that one statement, she perfectly captures what so many wine lovers feel the deep longing to experience even just one of the exceptional wines now being made at Podere Giodo.
If you’re already wondering “Where can I find these?”, don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Just click here and take the first step into Ferrini’s world of elegance and precision.
Christina Tsogka
