The biodynamic revolution

Avignonesi

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Montepulciano, Tuscany

ou’ve heard of organic farming, but have you heard about biodynamic viticulture? If not, then why not head to Avignonesi to learn about this, philosophical form of farming that reflects the ideas of philosopher Rudolph Steiner and his belief that everything in nature is interconnected by resonance or vibe. Located just over the natural border between the Montepulciano and Chianti regions, Avignonesi has been practicing organic and biodynamic methods since 2009, and is hoping to achieve certified status in 2020, which would make them the largest biodynamic winery in the world! On the tour around their 18th Century buildings and vineyards, you will discover Avignonesi’s unique farming approaches, such as growing secondary crops to increase their land’s biodiversity, their hexagonal vineyard – which is a far cry from the neat rows of vineyards you’re used to seeing in grape- growing Tuscany – and how they use ground up quartz and cow manure diluted in water (in a system similar to homeopathy) to fertilize their vines and soil…after they’ve been buried in a cow horn for 6 months to absorb the energy of the sun and soil of course! Of particular interest is also their round vineyard, or vigna Tonda, which was developed to test the perfect density for growing their vines, and is the only vineyard of its kind in the world!

Supposedly, biodynamic methods such as these don’t improve the taste of the wine, and merely to promote a more holistic relationship with nature. Either way, as you can discover on your post-tour wine tasting, Avignonesi’s wines are just as delicious and romantic as the process that brought them into being. We recommend tasting all 7 of their wines (as well as their Vin Santo for which they are famous – don’t miss seeing their Vin Santo temple and drying room, where the grapes are dried on straw mats in a method typical of the Montepulciano region) so that you can compare the differences between their different vintages of Chardonnay, Merlot and of course San Giovese, one of the premier grapes of the region, and one of the favorites of Virginie Sayers, Avignonesi’s current owner.

Giulio and his brothers present La Morandina

“Five centuries of history. Our memories go back to around 1600, a period in which the surname Morando was already present in the Castiglione Tinella area. A connection with the Earth that gave the name "Morandini Hill" to this strip of Langa where our family has always resided.
And I, Giulio, along with my brother Paolo, have looked after the land of Morandini since 1988
with a new eye: the connection with the family gave life to "La Morandina", and our work has been increasingly concentrated on the vineyard, a blessed territory rich in marl and limestone which, like in few other areas, can convey to the golden Moscato grapes aromas and flavours of great pure elegance. We wanted our Moscato to become the "reflection" of this land, a true expression
of a territory that can provide great quality. A fresh and refined wine, straightforward and without compromises. The same value has been applied to all the vineyards which have become part of
the Tenuta La Morandina over the years.
Nature, history, quality: everything returns and is renewed in the Earth.
The result is double: 80% of the energy we use comes from a renewable source and we avoid distributing a good 10 tons of carbon dioxide every year. This renewable energy formula is our way of thanking the environment, preserving it and continuing to keep alive a tradition that repeats itself each year in the vineyards.
In the cellar, the air expands the fragrances, the freshness and the structure of the different selections: those wines characteristics which are born in the grape bunch while still in the vineyard.
For the Moscato production, two are the souls that merge in our cellar. On one hand we have the traditional small wooden barrels, whose fragrance brings to mind old stories told by candlelight, which are reflected by the red of the bricks in the wall. On the other hand, we use technology to produce Moscato in modern stainless steel vats, which maintain its typical aromas and characteristics. The past and the present: we, men, are the link.”

The Wines

La Morandina produce Moscato, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti and Chardonnay, all varieties clearly and unmistakable locals. While drinking the Moscato, the image of the sunlight is evoked by the golden hues of the wine, an oasis of sparkling emotions: for us it's a party right away.
Giulio and his brothers have also an inclination to the Arts: some labels are inspired to the movement of Futurism, adapted to the wine making world.
A touch of color and new shapes that explain the character of the wine and a slightly particular vision of the vineyard as well as life.

Remote Tasting

Selection of Piedmont's blends kept inside the estate's former chapel, which can be enjoyed al fresco in the delightful cobbled courtyard sprinkled with comfy seating areas (this is an excellent spot for a candlelight nightcap, too). Back inside, there'