Fattoria Le Pupille: How Elisabetta Geppetti Redefined Maremma’s Winemaking Tradition

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 1/10/2025

Fattoria Le Pupille: How Elisabetta Geppetti Redefined Maremma’s Winemaking Tradition

Set in the rolling hills of Maremma, Fattoria Le Pupille is a family-owned estate where agriculture and winemaking flourish under the guidance of Elisabetta Geppetti and her children, Clara and Ettore. Along a scenic country road lined with Mediterranean pines, an impressive deep-yellow country house marks the heart of this Tuscan gem. Covering 420 hectares, the estate includes 85 hectares of vineyards, 20 hectares of olive groves, and additional land devoted to cereals, cork oaks, and pastures. Here, tradition blends seamlessly with innovation, creating a harmonious balance that defines Fattoria Le Pupille.

The turning point for Fattoria Le Pupille came in 1985, when Elisabetta, inspired by the legendary Italian oenologist Giacomo Tachis, planted Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Sangiovese, redefining what Maremma’s vineyards could achieve. From the release of their first official label in 1982, a Morellino Riserva 1978, to the groundbreaking debut of Saffredi in 1987, Le Pupille has consistently pushed boundaries and earned its place on the global wine map. The acquisition of the Poggio Valente vineyard in 1996 marked another milestone, adding depth to a portfolio that now features celebrated labels like Saffredi, Poggio Valente, and adventurous expressions of Syrah and Petit Manseng. These wines tell a story of respect for the land, a pursuit of excellence, and a vision that keeps Maremma at the forefront of the wine world.

Elisabetta Geppetti: The Visionary Behind Fattoria Le Pupille

Elisabetta Geppetti, often referred to as "The Lady of Morellino" and "The Ambassador of Maremma," has spent over 25 years championing her homeland through her passion for wine and innovation. As the driving force behind Fattoria Le Pupille, she has transformed the estate into a thriving winery with nearly 80 hectares of vineyards, bringing international recognition to Maremma’s unique terroir. Elisabetta’s deep connection to the land, which she describes as “a great love story with the land and wine,” has guided her bold vision to redefine what this region can achieve.

Elisabetta Geppetti with her children Clara and Ettore

Her leadership began in 1985, when she took over the estate in her early twenties, inspired by her grandfather’s love for the land and supported by Fredi, a mentor figure, and the legendary winemaker Giacomo Tachis. At a time when Maremma was still considered peripheral in Tuscany’s wine scene, Elisabetta’s daring decision to blend native Sangiovese with Bordeaux varieties helped establish the region’s reputation. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the estate’s most iconic wines, such as Saffredi, which debuted in 1987 and became a symbol of Maremma’s potential.

Beyond her achievements at Le Pupille, Elisabetta has played a pivotal role in elevating the entire Maremma region. In 1992, she became the first woman to chair an Italian wine consortium, leading the Consorzio del Morellino di Scansano, a role she held again from 2011 to 2013. Her contributions earned her the title of “Winemaker of the Year” in 2006 from Germany’s Der Feinschmecker, making her the first woman to receive the honor.

Today, Elisabetta works alongside her children, Clara and Ettore, who are helping to guide the estate into the future. Clara oversees exports and acts as a global ambassador, while Ettore manages the vineyards and cellar. Together, they are focused on sustainability, innovation, and hospitality, ensuring Fattoria Le Pupille continues to thrive as a beacon of excellence and a celebration of Maremma’s rich legacy.

The Diverse Landscape of the Vineyards of Fattoria Le Pupille

The vineyards of Fattoria Le Pupille reflect the diverse character of Maremma, spanning 85 hectares across elevations of 50 to 300 meters. Scattered across the estate’s 420 hectares, these parcels, some separated by 30 kilometers, showcase a range of soils, from sandstone to quartz, marl, and clay, shaped by coastal breezes and the region’s natural beauty.

Dedicated primarily to red varieties like Sangiovese, Alicante, and Ciliegiolo, the vineyards also include well-adapted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. Seven hectares are planted with whites, including Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Manseng. With spurred-cordon and Guyot training systems and a commitment to sustainability, the estate has earned the VIVA certification for environmental care. Each vineyard adds its unique personality to the estate’s portfolio, from iconic labels like Saffredi to experimental creations like PIEMME, embodying Maremma’s exceptional potential.

The Morellino Vineyards
Spread across Istia d’Ombrone, Pereta, and Magliano, these parcels are the foundation for the estate’s symbolic wine, Morellino. The sunny, breezy location near the Tyrrhenian Sea fosters Sangiovese, Alicante, and Ciliegiolo, producing red wines that embody the warmth and vibrancy of Maremma, distinct from the cooler, more austere reds of inland Tuscany.

The Saffredi Vineyard
This 14-hectare vineyard, part of the historic Pupille Vecchie site, is dedicated to the estate’s flagship wine, Saffredi. Situated at 250 meters above sea level, the well-ventilated sandstone soils are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, producing structured, complex wines that have become icons of the region.

The Poggio Valente Vineyard
Located at 300 meters, the estate’s highest vineyard is a 14-hectare parcel purchased in 1996. Facing southwest toward the medieval village of Pereta, it features sandy soils ideal for Sangiovese, which expresses elegance and depth in the vineyard’s eponymous cru, showcasing the refined side of Maremma’s character.

Syrah and Petit Manseng Vineyards
Two standout varieties receive special attention here, with small parcels dedicated to their pure vinification. Le Pupille, a 100% Syrah, is sourced from the Vigna del Palo and part of Pian di Fiora, while PIEMME, a 100% Petit Manseng, thrives in tuffaceous soils enriched with pebbles and chalk. The breezy microclimate along the valley floor provides the ideal conditions for these limited-edition wines, emphasizing the estate’s innovative spirit.

The Wines at the Tasting

Rosamati Maremma Toscana DOC 2023
A pure Syrah rosé, Rosamati showcases Elisabetta Geppetti’s vision of Syrah’s potential in Maremma. Sourced from the La Carla vineyard at 150 meters above sea level, with silty clay soils, the grapes undergo brief skin contact, soft pressing, and fermentation in stainless steel at 15°C. Twenty percent of the wine matures briefly in second-use tonneaux, while the rest remains in stainless steel, followed by an additional six months of aging in steel. Vibrant pale salmon in color, Rosamati offers delicate floral aromas of carnation and rose, complemented by fruity notes of strawberry and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with a creamy texture and a persistent finish. An ideal pairing for fish with herbs or risotto with wild asparagus.

Poggio Argentato Toscana Bianco IGT 2023
Poggio Argentato embodies the essence of Maremma with its fresh, fragrant character, blending 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Petit Manseng, and 10% Traminer and Semillon. Sourced from vineyards at 200–250 meters above sea level with tuffaceous and clay-rich soils, the Sauvignon Blanc matures exclusively in stainless steel, while the other varieties are briefly aged in second-passage tonneaux, all spending five months on fine lees. Bright straw yellow with golden hues, it reveals aromas of tomato leaf, white peach, Mediterranean herbs, orange blossom, ripe pineapple, and citrus. On the palate, it is fresh, creamy, and balanced, with a persistent fruity finish. Perfect with vegetable dishes or seafood pasta.

Morellino di Scansano 2023 DOCG
Morellino di Scansano, the cornerstone of Fattoria Le Pupille’s production since 1985, embodies the essence of Maremma with a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Ciliegiolo and Alicante. Sourced from south-facing vineyards with clayey-silty to sandy loam soils enriched by marly limestone, the wine ferments at 24°C in stainless steel with a 10–15 day maceration and matures for six months in steel. Bright ruby red, it offers aromas of dried violets, red cherries, raspberries, and dried orange peel, accented by sweet spices. On the palate, floral flavors dominate the first sip, giving way to crisp red berries, smooth tannins, and a refreshing, persistent fruity finish. Perfect with Tuscan ribollita or medium-complex seafood dishes, it captures the authentic flavors of its region.

Morellino di Scansano Riserva DOCG 2021
Rooted in Fattoria Le Pupille’s origins as "Rosso di Pereta," is crafted from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown at 50–250 meters above sea level in sandstone soils enriched with marl and red clay. Fermented at 26°C with a 25–30 day maceration, the wine ages for 15 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. Deep ruby red, it reveals a complexity of aromas of red and black berries, blueberry jam, and mint, layered with Mediterranean herbs, orange peel, tobacco, and black pepper. The palate is round and structured, with silky tannins, refreshing acidity, and a persistent finish. A perfect pairing for grilled meat or pasta with tomato and meat sauce.

Poggio Valente Toscana Rosso IGT 2022
The story of Poggio Valente began in 1996 when Elisabetta Geppetti acquired a vineyard that became an ideal habitat for Sangiovese, reflecting her dedication to Maremma’s winemaking potential. This 100% Sangiovese wine comes from southwest-facing vines in Pereta at 350 meters above sea level, with sandy topsoil over sandstone and clay. Fermented at 26°C with a maceration of 30–35 days, it ages for 15 months in 500- and 600-liter tonneaux (20% new oak). Bright ruby red, it reveals a complex bouquet of black stone fruits, dried spices, and forest undergrowth, with a smooth, full palate, sinewy tannins, and a persistent finish. Perfect with complex and rich meat dishes.

Le Pupille Toscana Syrah IGT 2019
This wine showcases the untapped potential of Syrah in Maremma, brought to life through Elisabetta Geppetti’s careful vineyard selection and dedication to excellence. Made from 100% Syrah, the grapes come from Vigna del Palo and Pian di Fiora, with soils ranging from tuffaceous with alabaster and chalk to cool, loose sandstone. Fermentation occurs in open 500-liter French oak tonneaux and terracotta orci, followed by 12 months of aging in barrique and at least 18 months in the bottle. Ruby red in color, it offers a complex bouquet of dried violets, ripe blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, olives, chocolate, and eucalyptus. The palate is warm and elegant, with supple tannins, vibrant dark fruit, and a long, refined finish. Perfect with rich meat dishes or pasta with meat tomato sauce.

Saffredi Toscana Rosso IGT 2021
Saffredi, the flagship wine of Fattoria Le Pupille, is a testament to Elisabetta Geppetti’s vision for elevating Maremma’s winemaking, created with guidance from Giacomo Tachis and dedicated to Fredi, who inspired her passion for wine. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot, it is sourced from the Saffredi vineyard in Pereta at 280 meters above sea level, with sandstone soils rich in marl and iron minerals. Fermented at 26°C with a maceration of 30–45 days, it ages for 18 months in French oak barriques, 70% of which are new. Deep ruby red, Saffredi reveals complex aromas of black cherry, blueberry jam, dried herbs, and tobacco. On the palate, it is harmonious and powerful, with dense, elegant tannins and a lingering finish. Perfect with rich meat dishes.