The farmers cradle the soil that sleeps… together they dream of a green spring
To own land is to protect its integrity, it is to share harmony and beauty at different times of day and seasons…. it is to feel part of its life cycle.
Winter in the vineyard is the season of silence, of muffled sounds, and of cold and subdued colours. And, when the snow comes with its dazzling whiteness, its soft cover gently warms up the ground’s slumber. The snow in the vineyard is sent from heaven. The ground conserves the heat and humidity of its roots which are not so afraid of low temperatures as they are to those of cold icy northern currents and lack of rain. Whilst the soil allows itself to rest, we dedicate ourselves to the cellar: it is time to put the new wine in wood to mature, removing the wine from previous vintages and ready for bottling. On sunny days with the limpid air that has been cleared up by the snow, we continue to prune the vines in the country.
The vine-grower performs his art in the pruning stage: he pays close attention to every single plant, to the vigour and to past productivity and also to future expectations. Varietal typologies and cultivation systems are considered. Pruning reduces the number of shoots and buds, making the plant younger again and preparing it for a prompt vegetative revival in tune and in relation with the future green pruning for a balanced spaced out distribution of buds and leaves, therefore giving optimal interception of light. This goes on for three long winter months for completion. Work continues in the vineyard waiting to catch a glimpse of the last February snow and the first timid primrose in the sheltered glade. With the sun’s presence and a new year drawing near, it will then be time to proceed with tying the shoots.
Winter is also the season of tasty food, a cosy and spicy red, and creamy whites. Vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, star anice, green, red and black pepper, liquorice, coffee, and cocoa….are just some of the aromas that an expert use of wood can transmit to the wine marvellously combined with the fruity grapes. These same aromas reappear in winter dishes and blend in great harmony with wine. Therefore, since the best things in life are good habits, the love of wine and fine cuisine, we grasp the pleasure of winter and its traditions sitting by the fire or around a table together in good company