In 2004 we started the reconversion of the arable land planting the first six and a half hectares of vineyard: four and a half with Sangiovese, one with Merlot and one with Cabernet Sauvignon. Other four and a half hectares were planted in March 2005: four with Sangiovese and half with Petit Verdot.
The planting layout is “settonce” with alberello training system. The vines are planted 150 cm apart; the tilling space is 130 cm, therefore each plant has an area of 1,95 sqm. The vines are 5.128 per hectare, supported by 10 mm diameter iron posts.
With the settonce layout each plant is surrounded by six other plants, equidistant from each other, and has a hexagonal portion of land. This pattern allows the maximum quantity of roots per hectare, the best exposure of the leaves to light and a perfect airing.
Without the encumbrance of wire or frame work, with a tilling space every 60°, cultivation, mechanization and supervision are easier than in a normal espalier system.
The vineyards, exposed to the South, fall within the DOC Orcia, in the area between Montalcino and Montepulciano. |
