The soils in Toscana are formed from Pliocene and Pleistocene marine sediments, and from Quaternary alluvial and lacustrine deposits. The region is quite hilly, progressing inward to the Apennine Mountains. Here, many vineyards are planted on the higher elevations of the hillsides to benefit from a cooler weather. The soils composition lie mostly on clay, with a great level of nutrients and organic matter.

Canalicchio di Sopra is a Tuscan family-owned business on the hills of Montalcino. Since 1962, three generations of winemakers took a major part of the development of the quality of Montalcino. This estate covers the history of winemaking in Montalcino over the last 50 years, its growth and its worldwide success. Here, only one grape variety is grown, Sangiovese, with the ambition of expressing through different terrain, different exposure, and different microclimates all the potential of this grape variety. With a focus on traditional wine making, the Ripaccioli family produces some of the best wines of the region.