Category: Winemaking
Winter Pruning at Fattoria di Montemaggio: An Art for Sangiovese
January 16, 2025
Winter Pruning at Fattoria di Montemaggio: An Art for Sangiovese Winter pruning is one of the most crucial phases in vineyard management, especially when dealing with a prized variety like Sangiovese. At Fattoria di Montemaggio, located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, this practice is considered a true art, passed down through generations to ensure the quality and unique expression of the wines produced. Why is Winter Pruning Crucial? Winter pruning is essential for determining the health and productivity of vines throughout the year. During winter, vines are dormant, making them less susceptible to stress and disease. This… read more
The Perfect Pour
November 6, 2024
Mastering Wine Service Temperatures for Maximum Flavor When it comes to serving wine, the right temperature can elevate a good bottle to a great one. You might have heard phrases like "room temperature for reds" or "chilled for whites," but there's much more nuance involved to make sure each wine shines. Serving wine at the correct temperature brings out its best flavors, aromas, and textures. In this guide, we’ll explore the ideal serving temperatures for different types of wine, why temperature matters, and practical tips for hitting that perfect chill. Why Does Wine Temperature Matter? Wine is a complex… read more
Start Off with the New Harvest 2024
September 25, 2024
The New Harvest in Chianti Classico: Anticipation Builds at Montemaggio in Radda As the 2024 harvest season approaches, there’s a special excitement in the air at the Fattoria di Montemaggio, nestled in the heart of Radda in Chianti, one of the most picturesque and renowned areas of the Chianti Classico region. Known for its rich winemaking traditions, Montemaggio stands poised to deliver another exceptional vintage. This year’s harvest promises to reflect not only the region's unique terroir but also Montemaggio’s dedication to sustainable, organic viticulture and the craftsmanship that sets its wines apart. Montemaggio: A Heritage of Excellence Montemaggio's vineyards,… read more
Cultivating Resilience: Maximizing Vineyard Potential with Cover Crops in the Spring
May 16, 2024
Introduction: With the arrival of spring, vineyards awaken from their winter slumber, signaling a time of renewed growth and vitality. Amidst this seasonal transition, viticulturists are presented with an opportune moment to harness the power of cover crops. These humble yet invaluable companions offer a host of benefits, from bolstering soil health to promoting biodiversity and managing pests. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deeper into the symbiotic relationship between cover crops and vineyards, focusing on their integral role during the dynamic springtime months. The Role of Cover Crops in Sustainable Viticulture: At the heart of sustainable viticulture lies a… read more
Exploring the Springtime Splendor: The Vegetative Cycle of Vineyards
May 3, 2024
As winter's chill dissipates and the earth begins to awaken, vineyards around the world enter a period of profound transformation known as the springtime vegetative cycle. This pivotal phase marks the renewal of life in vineyards, where dormant vines burst forth with new growth, setting the stage for another year of grape cultivation. With each passing day, nature orchestrates a symphony of biological processes that shape the vineyard landscape and ultimately influence the quality and character of the grapes harvested in the fall. The springtime moment in the vegetative cycle of vineyards is a time of immense anticipation and activity.… read more
Adapting to Uncertainty: Italian Winemakers Respond to Climate Variability in 2023
October 1, 2023
The weather conditions in Italy, as well as worldwide, have been quite challenging in 2023. There have been instances of rain, floods, hailstorms, heatwaves, wildfires, and more. All of these have had adverse effects on this year's vegetative cycle, leading to various diseases and a loss of production. This year's harvest has been a sad one for some, while quite acceptable for others. It's worth noting that there are differences between the northern and southern parts of Italy in terms of the harvest. According to the Observatory of Assoenologi, Ismea, and Unione Italiana Vini, the overall loss of quantity compared… read more
The Harvest of 2022 Has Exceeded the Expectations Despite Climate Adversity
October 6, 2022
The harvest of 2022 has been named a vintage beyond expectations by the Italian producers themselves. The reports from Alto Adige in the north to Sicily in the south all say the same things, i.e. that the climate crisis has not affected the quality of the grapes too much. However, we are now in an era where we have to get used to extreme weather conditions and learn how to navigate them. At Fattoria di Montemaggio, the harvest is still going on and we are going to look closer at the conditions and results so far. We will also make… read more
Top Wine Vintages in Chianti Classico in Tuscany
October 8, 2021
Wine is all about vintages, that is that every vintage differs from the next and gives rise to unique wines. When we say that every vintage is different, we more specifically refer to the weather conditions during the vines' vegetative year. This influences a wine’s aromas, flavors, and quality which is referred to as “vintage variation”. The weather also has a considerable impact on the harvest and the yield. There are some vintages that turn out much better than others and result in compelling and sensational wines. We will look into some vintages that Ilaria, our Estate Manager, considers to… read more
How Regenerative Agriculture is the New Buzz Term in Viticulture
March 31, 2021
We have been talking about conventional, organic, and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking in the past, but what about regenerative agriculture? The new trend emerging in viticulture seems to be talking precisely about regenerative agriculture. In the Italian wine world, it is a concept or ‘buzzword’ that is not that much mentioned yet. So, what is regenerative agriculture? We will soon delve deeper into that but first, we will do a quick historical overview. Agriculture and its Effect on the Soil in a Historical Context Historically, there is nothing new about how to get the most out of the soil in… read more
How Should We Age the Wine? Aging Red Wines
March 3, 2021
Aging Wine Making Wine also means learning to have patience. Understanding that a good wine is produced by respecting the right time and the right aging. It is necessary then, to wait for the wine to reach the best moment of its life. Let's analyze what is the aging of red wines. The nectar of gods will therefore find the perfect environment for aging and getting richer. Let's talk about what is called "elevation". This term is simply used to explain what is the aging in the barrels. What happens during this kind of aging? Simply, we will observe some… read more