Category: Winemaking

We are in a difficult period where the Coronavirus is still raging all over the world. As a result of the shelter in place or lockdown in many countries, the economy is in difficulties and heading towards a possible recession. Still, future recession or not, quality will always be important. However, as we have seen, the environment is blooming now that people are traveling less and polluting nature less. Our environment is indeed important for our future success. Environment and quality. Two concepts that go hand in hand. Environment and Quality in Winemaking When it comes to viticulture and wine… read more

Another year and another harvest have come to an end at Fattoria di Montemaggio. As usual, it has been a busy period starting with the Chardonnay in early September and then step-by-step picking the different grapes to end with the Sangiovese and the Pugnitello. How was this year’s harvest in the Chianti Classico region? Will it be a good vintage? Let us find out what has been said about this year’s harvest overall in Tuscany and, more specifically, at Fattoria di Montemaggio. A ‘stellar’ year according to the Consortium of Chianti Classico In the 2019 harvest report, the Consortium of… read more

Aging of Wine Historically oak barrels were used for the transportation of wine. Aging of wine in barrique, tonneaux, or big cask is a later phenomenon. Today, there is an art in using oak barrels for the aging of wine. Different styles of wine require different types and or/the combination of different oak barrels, large or small. But is the use of barrique and other types of barrels dependent upon wine styles and trends or rather on the financial capacity of wineries? Can it even be assumed that the power of decision lies in the hands of the accountants running… read more

Montemaggio has been organically certified since 2009, which has been an important step in order to reduce the use of chemicals to a minimum and being able to offer high-quality wines. However, what does it mean for a winery to be organic in its approach and what is the difference between organic and biodynamic farming? Let us take a closer look below at the history behind organic and biodynamic agriculture as well as discussing the organic methods adopted here at Montemaggio. Organic vs. Biodynamic Farming...A Brief History Organic farming The history of organic and biodynamic farming seems to walk very… read more

Tuscany's Chianti Classico Riserva Chianti is an Italian wine that is made out of a blend of different kinds of grapes from the Chianti region. The chief dissimilarity between regular Chianti and others depend upon the minimum percentage permission of Sangiovese grapes i.e. 75% along with the rules that permit white grapes to be blended in as well. The alcohol content is normally around 11%. The Wines Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva are two of the best Chianti wines that are admired all over the world. Wondering what makes Chianti Classico different from regular Chianti? Chianti Classico has a… read more

Are you a wine lover? If you are, then you must be aware of the fact that the varieties of grapes  used in the winemaking process heavily influence its flavor and texture. You must also know that Italian wines are famous for their historical background, taste and finesse. Different kinds of grapes are used to make wines all around the world with some being more popular than the others. Let’s have a look at some of the best grape varieties used for winemaking. 1. Sangiovese Grapes Sangiovese grapes are black in color. They are grown widely in the Central parts… read more

During this very recent harvest of Sep/Oct 2014, my farther in law came to visit us in Montemaggio. He has fully participated in the whole harvesting experience and was shocked of how much manual labour is involved. He really was astonished at how much time and effort we spend harvesting our grapes. Therefore after one long and very hard working day, he told me: "People need to know how you make wine, they need to know that you harvest and select each bunch in the winery, how you then again select berry by berry on the table of selection before… read more