We came to Tuscany with ambitions to conquer vineyards in a prestigious wine region. Still, we fell in love with this farm near Pitigliano, and the incredible allure of its history and untamed nature.
It's difficult not to be impressed by the old wine cellars in the tuff bluffs dug by the ancient Etruscans that peer over wild green gorges, or the peculiar composition of the light volcanic tuff soil, set off against blinding clear blue skies.
At the organically certified Tenuta Doganella, we left a few existing hectares of Merlot and Chardonnay and replanted the remaining hectares with Sangiovese and Vermentino.
Guyot is the vine training of choice for most of our vineyards, and, here, all the plantings are high density, at up to 6,500 plants per hectare, for low yields and quality fruit.
The Doganella and Rompicollo vineyards are on raised tufaceous plains. The light-coloured tuff comes from the soft, porous rock formed by the consolidated layers of ash from volcanic eruptions over 360.000 years ago. For modern-day viticulture, tuff is an ally. The sponge-like property of the soil makes it an excellent reserve of water during the dry summers. While there is no scientific proof, many expert tasters claim to taste a salty quality often described as "minerality".
Tenuta Rompicollo in Pitigliano is 66 hectares of vineyards and woods where we began producing our first Tuscan blends. The original rustic farmhouse was renovated and modernized for guests.
At the organically certified Tenuta Doganella, we left a few existing hectares of Merlot and Chardonnay and replanted the remaining hectares with Sangiovese and Vermentino.
Guyot is the vine training of choice for most of our vineyards, and, here, all the plantings are high density, at up to 6,500 plants per hectare, for low yields and quality fruit.
The Doganella and Rompicollo vineyards are on raised tufaceous plains. The light-coloured tuff comes from the soft, porous rock formed by the consolidated layers of ash from volcanic eruptions over 360.000 years ago. For modern-day viticulture, tuff is an ally. The sponge-like property of the soil makes it an excellent reserve of water during the dry summers. While there is no scientific proof, many expert tasters claim to taste a salty quality often described as "minerality".
Tenuta Rompicollo in Pitigliano is 66 hectares of vineyards and woods where we began producing our first Tuscan blends. The original rustic farmhouse was renovated and modernized for guests.
Just a few years later, Tenuta Doganella, with 28 hectares of organic vineyards became part of the family.
In 2013, Dario, in fact, could not resist the more typical Tuscan charm of an old estate near Scansano dating back to 1861. Tenuta Albore covers 90 hectares, 80 of which are vineyards.
