European Organic Wine Harvest Part 2
Fattoria di Romignano, producer of fine organic Chianti, is located in the heart of Tuscany, 30 km south of Florence. The soil is mostly clay mixed with sand, on a hillside with southern exposure. The climate is dry and sunny with cold nights and warm days during the harvest. As a result, there is a good accumulation of sugar and tannic components on the grapes, making for a full and flavor-rich Chianti.
In the last century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli studied production methods for Chianti. He chose this area for the vineyard because he thought it to be premium Tuscan land.
Rossi Family History
Members of the Rossi family have been winemakers since the early part of 1900s when they purchased Fattoria di Romignano. At that time crops were mixed, with the vineyards scattered among trees, such as olive, and wheat and beans were cultivated between the rows of grape vines.
The wine then was very different from that of today. It was sweet and strong and rarely good. The farmers were not engaged in the improvement of the wine, and nature’s ability to produce outstanding grapes in the area was wasted.
Vineyards Today
Many things have changed over the years. The idea of dedicated vineyards replaced the confused mixture of vines, olive trees, wheat and beans. Today, technical know-how is more important than improvisation. The whole process, from pruning to bottling is done at the farm and followed by an Agronomist and Oenologist.
The oldest vineyard is more than 25 years old with a tree density of 3000 vines per ha with a production around 4 kg per vine. The younger vineyard, 6 years old, has 5000 vines per ha with a production of 2 kg per vine.
Classic Organic Chianti Grape Varietals
Fattoria Romignano produces Romignano Chianti Reserva DOCG and No Sulfites Added Organic Chianti Naturale. Both are proudly designated as DOCG Chianti, indicating that the wine producers followed strict regulations set forth by the region to make the wine. They are tested by the DOCG committee to guarantee the wine’s geographic authenticity and that it meets high quality standards. These organic Chiantis are a classic blend of Italian Sangiovese, Canoiolo and Merlot. The wine is vegan-friendly, using no animal byproducts in production. Chianti Naturale is also Non-GMO Project Verified.
