Fattoria Le Pupille
A Legacy Built on the Promise of Maremma
Long before the rolling hills of Maremma became synonymous with some of Tuscany's most exciting wines, this untamed stretch of coastline was largely overlooked by the fine wine world. Better known for rugged countryside, grazing land, and scattered vineyards than prestigious appellations, it was a region whose extraordinary potential remained hidden in plain sight. It was here, among these windswept hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, that Elisabetta Geppetti began a remarkable journey—one that would not only transform a family estate but help redefine the future of Maremma itself.
The story of Fattoria Le Pupille is inseparable from Elisabetta's own. At just twenty years of age, she assumed responsibility for the estate in 1985, inspired by the encouragement of her father-in-law, Alfredo "Fredi" Gentili, whose passion for the land ignited her own. Guided by an unwavering belief in Maremma's potential and supported by the legendary winemaker Giacomo Tachis, whose visionary work helped shape modern Italian wine, Elisabetta embarked on a mission that few could have imagined at the time: proving that this little-known corner of southern Tuscany could produce wines worthy of international acclaim.
That vision found its defining expression in Saffredi, first released in 1987 and named in honour of Fredi Gentili. The wine quickly established itself as one of Italy's great Bordeaux-inspired blends, demonstrating with extraordinary clarity that Maremma possessed both the terroir and the ambition to stand alongside the country's most celebrated wine regions. Yet Elisabetta's contribution extended far beyond a single iconic wine. As one of the earliest champions of Morellino di Scansano, she played a pivotal role in elevating the appellation's reputation and became the first President of the Morellino di Scansano Consortium, helping to shape the identity of an entire region.
Today, Fattoria Le Pupille encompasses more than 400 hectares, including approximately 85 hectares of vineyards, where Mediterranean sunshine, cooling maritime breezes, and diverse soils provide ideal conditions for both indigenous and international grape varieties. Sangiovese remains the beating heart of the estate, expressing the vibrant character of Morellino di Scansano, while carefully selected parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and other varieties reveal the remarkable versatility of the Maremma landscape.
Respect for the vineyard guides every stage of production. Sustainable farming, meticulous vineyard management, and thoughtful site selection ensure that each parcel is cultivated according to its unique characteristics. In the cellar, tradition and precision exist in harmony, with every decision focused on preserving freshness, balance, and the unmistakable identity of the fruit. Whether crafting approachable expressions of coastal Tuscany or the estate's most celebrated cuvées, the philosophy remains unchanged: great wines are born from an intimate understanding of place.
Today, the next generation continues that vision as Clara and Ettore Geppetti work alongside their mother, ensuring that the pioneering spirit which defined the estate's earliest years remains at its heart. Together, they continue to explore the remarkable diversity of Maremma while safeguarding the values that first inspired the winery's success.
More than four decades after Elisabetta Geppetti began her extraordinary journey, Fattoria Le Pupille stands as one of the defining estates of coastal Tuscany. Its wines tell the story of a landscape once overlooked, a family whose belief never wavered, and a visionary whose determination helped reveal one of Italy's most exciting wine regions to the world.
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