Find insightful articles on Tuscany & Wine in general and Chianti Classico in particular, organic and biodynamic agriculture and everything else that has anything to do with the world of wine like food/wine pairings, making or history of wine, holidays and more.
The Perfect Pour
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
Chianti Terroir
Terroir in Chianti: How Sangiovese Interacts with the Land Chianti, a historic and revered wine region in Tuscany, Italy, has long been synonymous with the Sangiovese grape. The unique characteristics of Chianti wines are deeply tied to the region's terroir—a term used to describe the combined influence of the soil, climate, and geography on the taste of a wine. In the case of Chianti, the terroir plays a pivotal role in shaping the expression of Sangiovese, the region’s flagship grape. But what exactly is terroir, and how does it affect Sangiovese in Chianti? This article explores the intricate relationship between… read more
Start Off with the New Harvest 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
Embrace the Elegance of Nature with Montemaggio’s Skincare Line
Embrace the Elegance of Nature with Montemaggio’s Skincare Line At Montemaggio, we understand that true beauty emanates from a harmonious relationship with nature. Our skincare line, crafted from the lush vineyards and fertile olive groves of Tuscany, embodies this philosophy. Each product is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, purity, and the timeless traditions of Italian craftsmanship. Welcome to a world where nature meets luxury, and where your skincare routine becomes a daily indulgence. The Heart of Tuscany in Every Jar Montemaggio’s skincare line is a celebration of the bounty of our land. Our products are infused with ingredients… read more
Embracing Biodynamic Agriculture: A Holistic Approach to Farming
We are certified as a winery as organic, but we tought it could've been interesting also to analyse the biodynamic approach! We are not biodynamic certified but deff In the realm of sustainable farming, biodynamic agriculture stands out as a holistic and regenerative approach that goes beyond organic farming. Rooted in the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic agriculture is not just a method but a way of life that integrates the farm’s natural ecosystem with cosmic and earthly rhythms. What is Biodynamic Agriculture? Biodynamic agriculture is a practice that views the farm as a self-sustaining organism. It encompasses ecological, ethical,… read more
The Ideal Soil for a Successful Vineyard: A Guide by Fattoria di Montemaggio
Choosing the Soil for a Profitable Vineyard A profitable vineyard requires specific types of soil because the composition of the soil profoundly influences viticulture and the qualities of the wine. Paradoxically, the vine does not thrive in rich soils but performs best in poorer ones. Indeed, the same grape variety can produce grapes with different characteristics depending on where it is grown. The roots of the plants absorb water reserves and nutrients from the soil, which influence the wine's character, with soil composition varying based on the geological structure of the area. In this article by Fattoria di Montemaggio, we… read more
June in the Vineyards: The Magic of Flowering
June is a pivotal month in the life cycle of vineyards, a time when the subtle yet crucial process of flowering takes place. This period, often overlooked in favor of the more visually dramatic stages like harvest or veraison (the onset of ripening), is fundamental to the success of the vintage. Flowering marks the moment when grapevines transition from the promise of spring to the potential of a bountiful harvest. Understanding this process is key to appreciating the complexity and effort involved in viticulture. The Phenomenon of Flowering Flowering, also known as anthesis, typically occurs in late spring to early… read more
The Origin of Sangiovese: Tuscany's Timeless Treasure
The Origin of Sangiovese: Tuscany's Timeless Treasure When one thinks of Italian wines, the robust and versatile Sangiovese grape often comes to mind. At Montemaggio, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, we celebrate this quintessential Italian varietal for its rich history, diverse expression, and integral role in our winemaking tradition. To appreciate the full breadth of Sangiovese, let's journey through its origins and evolution. A Glimpse into History Sangiovese, often heralded as the king of Italian wines, boasts a lineage that stretches back to ancient times. The earliest records suggest that Etruscan viticulturists, who thrived in central Italy around 2,500… read more
The Blooming of the Vine: Exploring the Most Delicate Phenological Stage at Fattoria di Montemaggio
The blooming of the vine is the heart of the viticultural cycle and represents one of the most delicate and crucial phenological stages for both the quality and quantity of production. This phase, lasting between 9 and 21 days, varies depending on how gradually the phenomenon occurs on the plant and its inflorescences. Within the grape cluster, the flowers first bloom in the central parts, then in the basal parts, and finally in the apical extremities and wings. Blooming and the Vine The vine is a self-fertile plant, whose pollination process occurs mainly through anemophily, that is, with the help… read more
Cultivating Resilience: Maximizing Vineyard Potential with Cover Crops in the Spring
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