Caiarossa focuses on biodynamics

The protection, but above all the implementation of biodiversity for a biodynamic winery is not a fad of the moment, it is part of its DNA because it uses practices that strengthen biodiversity in its territory. This is what they claim at Caiarossa, an organic and biodynamic winery in Riparbella (Pisa) in the northern Tuscan Maremma.

The company has about 100 hectares of land, 40 of which are planted with vines, six with olive trees and the rest with arable land, woodland or left uncultivated. Caiarossa produces about 120 thousand bottles, mainly red wines made from blends of international and Sangiovese varieties, 70-80% of which are sold abroad.

'Biodynamics,' explains Caiarossa agronomist and oenologist Francesco Villa, 'brings with it a commitment to preserving the soil and soil vitality. This means bringing organic matter to the soil either by producing our own compost in the farm or by spreading manure that we buy from a nearby organic farmer. Compost is life and brings life to the soil. And so it is that our soils teem with earthworms that are a symptom of soil health and give us valuable feedback that our agronomic practices are going in the right direction. Having a soil that is alive as well as simply healthy then reflects on the vine and its balance because the plant finds the substances it needs in the soil".

And in the Caiarossa vineyards, in addition to earthworms, pollinators and ladybirds are frequent. "Another important practice for biodiversity that we put in place," added Villa, "are the autumn green manures for which we use two or three species of seeds and seven to eight different essences that create biodiversity because they develop the roots of the vines and produce flowers that attract different species of insects. In our essences we also sow melliferous species that attract bees'.

'On our 40 hectares of vineyards,' concludes Villa, 'we have 59 plots with 10 different varieties (6 red and 4 white). A mosaic that itself creates biodiversity. The red grapes cultivated are Cabernet Franc, Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. While among the white grape varieties are Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino and Petit Manseng'.