The Gambelli Award is won by oenologist Ovidio Mugnaini, technical manager of the La Sala del Torriano company in Chianti Classico​

The winner of the 12th edition of the Gambelli Prize, promoted by Aset and the Igp network in memory of Giulio Gambelli, signature of great Italian wines, is Ovidio Mugnaini, technical manager of the cellar and vineyard of the La Sala del Torriano company in San Casciano Val Di Pesa, in Chianti Classico.

The award , aimed at oenologists under 40, who with their wines best reflect Giulio Gambelli's philosophy which promoted the exaltation of the typical characteristics of each vine, the characteristics of the territory and the vintage, was awarded on Thursday 16 May in San Gimignano (Si) on the occasion of the second edition of Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, the event promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Vernaccia di San Gimignano Docg.

This is Ovidio Mugnaini's comment after receiving the award from Aset President Leonardo Tozzi:

“For me it is something extraordinary for many reasons, not only for being associated with a name that has given so much to wine and oenology, but also for a dedication to my grandfather, born in San Gimignano in 1925 ( the same year as Gambelli), who for me was a master of the cellar and vineyard. Together with my grandfather I would like to thank La Sala del Torriano for which I work with all its interpreters and with the oenologist Stefano Di Blasi, our consultant, with whom I consult for the creation of the blends and vinification. The work of this group has allowed me to realize a small dream, because for me wine is as it was for my grandfather and for Giulio: first of all passion, passion that such recognition can only fuel, encouraging me to try to work always better".

With his labels that tell in the glasses the land of origin, its climate and its characteristics that make it unique, Ovidio Mugnaini was thus able to demonstrate to the jury, who blindly tasted the samples, his ability to work with great professionalism and rigor, in a passionate and sartorial way.

The wines thanks to which he managed to win the Gambelli Prize are under the La Sala del Torriano brand, a 75-hectare estate, of which 34 are under vineyards, owned by Francesco Rossi Ferrini.

Over 80% of the vineyards are Sangiovese while the remaining 20% is made up of international vines, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and native varieties such as Colorino and Puntitello. The company's focus is Sangiovese for which Ovidio Mugnaini, as well as the owners, has the utmost respect. “I try to approach Sangiovese in a humble way, giving it the utmost attention to obtain territorial and authentic products, just as my grandfather taught me and just as Giulio Gambelli, the master of Sangiovese, wanted.”

With Sangiovese, Sala del Torriano produces 3 Chianti Classicos: the Vintage, the Reserve and the Gran Selezione.

The other wines are Campo All'Albero Rosso di Toscana Igt 70% merlot and 30% cabernet sauvignon, and Cinque Filari, a pure pucchitello made in amphora.

Since 2010, La Sala del Torriano has been formed by the union of two corporate bodies, La Sala which is located in Sorripa and Torriano in Montefiridolfi, owned by the Ferrini family since 1935.

The total 75 hectares on which it is spread are made up of woods, vineyards and 3000 olive trees with which an organic Chianti Classico Dop Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced which benefits from numerous awards and vineyards every year.

Sala del Torriano is very attentive to the ecosystem and has been certified organic since 2020.

He works every day respecting not only the regulations of biological realities but going well beyond, minimizing the use of plastic, mainly using electricity obtained from renewable sources and respecting the soil by working it only when necessary. It also uses two meteorological stations, which minimize the use of pesticides permitted in organic farming, and organic manure.

The link with art is very close and can be found in the labels of Gran Selezione, Grappa and Vin Santo signed by the Tuscan artist Silvano Campeggi, aka “Nano” (Florence 1923 – 2018), author of all the posters of the great American cinema in Italy including, to name a few, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Ben Hur, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind.

La Sala del Torriano is also a farmhouse . In Montefiridolfi, on the splendid hills overlooking the valley, you can stay in 4 Tuscan-style apartments and enjoy the peace that these places can offer.

Ovidio Mugnaini, born in 1984, was born in Poggibonsi and began taking his first steps in agriculture together with his paternal grandfather Ezio, who taught him how to take care of the vines to get the best out of them. A passion, that for the Chianti area and for oenology, which led him to graduate from the agricultural institute of Siena and to graduate with top marks from the university of viticulture and oenology of Florence. After some experiences in Trentino and Tuscany, he arrived at “La Sala del Torriano” in 2010 where he is currently responsible for the vineyard and cellar.