Fattoria Le Pupille

Elisabetta Gepetti of Fattoria Le Pupille has always loved Tuscany, especially the Maremma. This coastal landscape on the Tyrrhenian Sea was for centuries an inhospitable marshland, but now, after drainage measures, tourism and agriculture dominate here, with viticulture in particular on the rise.

The woman in the vineyard and cellar

The Fattoria Le Pupille was founded at the end of the 18th century, changed hands several times, but it is in 1985 that Elisabetta Gepetti recognized her destiny and took over the family winery Le Pupille, re-founding it in a way. She left behind the university and dedicated herself to the vineyard and cellar. The Cabernet Sauvignon, replanted on some rows of Sangiovese, began to bear fruit, the assistance of the renowned oenologist Giacomo Tachis was much more than technical advice. The result is a project that has made the company a true pioneer of Maremma. in 1982 the company's first "official" label appeared, a Morellino Riserva 1978 vintage. in 1987 the Saffredi, the wine that made the excellence of Maremma known far beyond its borders, was produced for the first time.

The vineyards of Saffredi and Poggio Argentato

With the purchase of the Poggio Valente vineyard in 1996, the company acquired an even more important face. The map of the vineyards reflects the different phases in the creation of Le Pupille and the distances that separate one vineyard from another are also important. You may have to go up and down the hills, cross woods and medieval villages, drive a few kilometers through wheat and sunflower fields before reaching the vineyards of Saffredi or Poggio Argentato.

Vecchie Pupille in the village of Pereta

The most important nucleus of the estate is located near the village of Pereta, 25 hectares in all, today called Vecchie Pupille, including the five hectares of vineyards dedicated to the flagship of the winery - Saffredi. Pereta is located halfway between Scansano and Magliano in Tuscany, two names that even for laymen mean the historical heart of Maremma viticulture. Near the village of Pereta, in addition to the vineyard of Saffredi, there is also that of Poggio Valente, which follows the gentle hill, located at 280 meters above sea level. Near Scansano, a 4 hectare plot is planted with white grapes, while at the gates of Magliano, a large vineyard of 20 hectares is dedicated to the production of Morellino.

Fattoriale Pupille is composed like a mosaic

Fattoria Le Pupille today resembles a mosaic. Over the years, the original nucleus has been enriched with new vineyards, which to date have grown to 80 hectares of vines, distributed like mosaic stones among the most suitable vineyard areas in the production area. Another 20 hectares are used for olive trees and then cereals and cork oaks alternate with pastures, for a total of 420 hectares of land.

Since 2012, the oenologist Luca D'Attoma is responsible for vineyards and winery. He is also called the Armani among oenologists for his class and striving for perfection. 

When wishes come true

Elisabetta Geppetti has successfully realized a heart's desire to produce great wines. For this she is called Signora del Morellino and ambassador of Maremma. in 1992 she became the first female president of the newly founded Consortium Morellino di Scansano, a position she holds again today. Of her five children, the eldest daughter Clara is already active in the winery alongside her mother. In 2006 Elisabetta Geppetti was awarded Winemaker of the Year by "WeinGourmet" and "Der Feinschmecker".

The grape varieties

Fattoria Le Pupille grows the following grape varieties, among others: 

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Sangiovese
• Petit Verdot
• Merlot
• Gewürztraminer
• Sauvignon Blanc 
• Semillon