Winemaker
John Matta
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Greve in Chianti, Italy
i. Biography
The Path
That early record places him in a European wine setting shaped by discipline, repetition, and respect for method. Even in a short span, that kind of grounding often shows up later in how a winemaker works: in consistency, in timing, and in the ability to carry standards across regions and responsibilities. The line runs through to Castello Vicchiomaggio, where John Matta’s long practice is tied to the estate’s daily work.
The Work Today
Since 1982, owner and winemaker have been the two duties that define John Matta’s place at Castello Vicchiomaggio in Greve in Chianti, Italy. The role is practical: it combines stewardship of the property with direct responsibility for the wine. That split demands attention to the estate as a whole and to the details that shape each vintage. In a region where the work of wine is place, John Matta’s tenure points to continuity, repetition, and the steady labor of making.
Career - Winemaker — Castello Vicchiomaggio, Tuscany, Italy - Lived and worked — Dufouleur Freres, Nuits-St-Georges (1966) Education: School in the UK
Signature
Ripa delle Mandorle Bianco is among John Matta’s signature wines. As a named bottling, it identifies a specific point of view within the portfolio and gives shape to the style associated with his work. In trade terms, a signature wine is less about ornament than about recognition: a fixed reference that lets other artisans read the maker’s hand.
Acclaim
IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year (1997) sits among John Matta’s honors. The award lands as a mark of peer recognition for work sustained over time rather than a single release. For a winemaker whose career has remained closely tied to Castello Vicchiomaggio, the distinction reflects the value of consistency, continuity, and long practice.
FAQ What is John Matta's current role? As of 2026, John Matta is Owner and Winemaker. Where did John Matta train or study? John Matta trained at School in the UK. What recognition has John Matta received? IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year (1997).
