Our Vineyards

 

Fattoria di Montemaggio is a member of the Consortium of Chianti Classico, and extends over an area of 70 hectares (about 190 acres) of vineyards, olive groves and woods; it is situated at a high altitude of 450 to 600 meters above the sea level. The vineyards, which is comprised of 8 hectares (20 acres) has a central position in the estate with an exposure to southwest of remarkable importance. The soil is rich on galestro, sandstone, and alberese. The main grape varieties in our vineyards are Sangiovese, with small additions of Merlot, Pugnitello, Chardonnay, Malvasia Nera, and Ciliegiolo.

The particular position of the estate combined with the micro-climate, makes it possible for Montemaggio to offer a wide variety of products.

Montemaggio follows the concept of a very high quality “Terroir” wine. We have a chance to look at the quality of wine in every bottle and make sure that customer gets a very special product. The wines have been planted with a very high density per hectare (6250 plants/hectare in some vineyards). We then produce a lower quantity of grapes per hectare (40 Ql/hectare, depending on the vintage), by regulating it through pruning and selection techniques.

Pugnitello

Here are the 3 terraces of our Autoctone Grape Variety Pugnitello. We produce only 300 bottles yearely of this special wine which is called - Ilaia di Montemaggio.

Pugnitello is one of the gems here at Montemaggio. This variety is a less known indigenous red grape that was introduced in Tuscany 20 years ago. The name most probably come from the form of its small grape bunch, which looks like a fist (pugno in Italian). Valeria, the owner, fell in love with the unique characteristics of this kind of grape and asked Ilaria, the agronomist, to make this challenging experiment. This kind of grape is very sensitive to diseases and it requires a lot of attention and care. But the result is something unique and authentic.

Something more about Pugnitello

During 60s and 70s this grape variety was abandoned and rediscovered back again by Agricultural University of Florence. The old wine maker during the past use to discard grape varieties that were difficult and not producing a huge yield. But in the last 20 years situation has changed in a positive way here in Tuscany.Actually more and more estate choose grape varieties for their quality.

Pugnitello

Merlot And Sangiovese

The majority of the vineyards of Montemaggio are occupied by Sangiovese and Merlot. We produce various blend which result in different wines.

It is important to mention that we really like to experiment, and to create wines that represent totally our idea and philosophy.

The Sangiovese grape here produce wines that are fine and elegant. The vineyards here at Montemaggio are located around 450m and 600m above the sea level. For this reason, as well as the important temperature variation between night and day the wine that we produce is actually very fine, elegant with a beautiful acidity.

When it comes about our Merlot it is different from the most part of the Merlot that you can find in general. Our Merlots it is what we often call Merlot di Sangiovese. Those kind of wines shares the same freshness and minerality. Both wines take these unique characteristics from the terroir of course and are perfect examples of “Terroir” wines.

Merlot And Sangiovese

A Unique Exposure. North and South

Most of Our Vineayrds are exposed to the South/South west which is usually the best exposition for the vineyards. However in the last 10 years due to global warming and constant change of the climate we have noticed that the grapes that come from our North Facing Vineyard, which is cultivated completely with the Alberello technique, are producing an amazing high quality.

Alberello

Alberello means "Little Tree" and is a special vine formation technique which means that the vine will be formed as a little tree with a main body and branches tied around it.

This kind of cultivation is to be recommended in impervious areas, where modern training systems, such as Guyot or spurred cordon, have more difficulties in guaranteeing quality productions. The distinctive trait of this kind of cultivation is the great quality that you can get in terms of grapes, however associated to a low yield.

Alberello