The harvest has begun in Badia a Coltibuono with the harvesting of early grapes and complementary varieties. Among these is Foglia Tonda, a vine formerly widespread in Tuscany and today rediscovered as a valid support for Sangiovese, the “queen” grape of Chianti Classico.

The decision of not using herbicides or insecticides was the start in 1985 of the conversion to organic practices. We then selected the 600 vines of our own special massal selection, and in 1988 we began the renewal of the vineyards. Over the years the organic approach has become more successfully integrated in our farm and in 1994 the olive groves were certified, followed in 2000 by the vineyards. Managing cover-crop, composting and increasing biodiversity are the most essential components of a truly sustainable organic approach. This increases the health of the soil, which in turn promotes better quality, higher yields as well as protecting the health of the workers and the environment. A live and healthy soil also makes the wines more vibrant and help express their unique character. Today the Delinat guidelines extend the organic practices to all aspects of production and the creation of the Biodistretto del Chianti launches a challenge to expand to all of the Chianti Classico territory the benefit of sustainable organic farming.

For centuries the vineyards of the medieval Badia a Coltibuono have been primarily in Monti, the most southern part of Gaiole in Chianti. Our Sangiovese from massal selections thrives in the limestone clay loams, at 270 to 330 m asl, where it finds ideal growing conditions. The blending of small quantities of Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino, as well as the more recent introduction of Mammolo, Fogliatonda, Malvasia Nera, Pugnitello and Sanforte reinforce the unique character of our wines. The challenges of climate change drives us to continuously adapt our practices while maintaining the unique character of the wines of Badia a Coltibuono.