stripImg

Organic conversion and Pian di Seta Vermentino Bio IGT: the news of Tenuta Monterufoli

  • 29/06/2022

​​​With 2,095,380 hectares of surface and 81,732 operators, Italy is the third country in Europe for extension of organic area, after France and Spain, and first in Europe for the number of organic farms (ISMEA data - Institute of Services for the Agricultural Food Market 2022).

In fact, in recent years the organic sector has grown a lot, finding more and more interest among consumers and companies. Above all, for a sustainability discussion: organic agriculture is based on the principles of safeguarding and enhancing resources and respect for biodiversity, work and health. A more sustainable development model, therefore, which becomes an important practice and an ethical choice. A choice that the Monterufoli Estate, nestled in the splendid Monterufoli-Caselli Natural Park, has decided to carry out to protect this environmental heritage, achieving certification in 2021 and the production of the first organic wine, Vermentino Pian di Seta

But what are the steps in the conversion from conventional to organic viticulture? Let's see it together!


Monterufoli Estate: an organic approach to all productions

Over a thousand hectares of unspoiled nature, located between Val di Cecina and Val ​di Cornia, in the province of Pisa, which is of great landscape importance: this is the Monterufoli Estate, which despite ancient history looks to the future. A future in which sustainability, protection of the territory and the presence of biodiversity will be increasingly important concepts against climate change and to guarantee quality products. In order to preserve and enhance this incredible heritage, starting from 2016 it was decided to adopt the organic method for all productions, from gardens to vineyards. In 2017 the process of "biological conversion" of the land began, which by law (EC Reg. 2092/91) must last at least three years, and in 2021 the certification arrived. But what does conversion involve? Let's deepen it.


Organic practices to protect the environment

Wine is a product of the earth, and that is why we should make sure to protect it and make the most of it. How? Through a path of biological conversion that provides for the "decontamination" of the soil for at least 3 years: in this period of time, every year, an authorized certifying company must check the state of the soil and its plants. To implement this conversion, a series of totally organic agronomic practices are used, starting with fertilization that will have to use natural and organic fertilizers and not, obviously, chemical ones: the production yield, therefore, will be lower, but in this way the groundwater and those on the surface will not carry nitrates and other pollutants into the sea. 

In general, in organic agriculture it is not possible to use chemical products, both in the weeding phase of weeds, both in the fight against parasites, and in defoliation: the adoption of alternative and organic practices lengthen all these processes and interventions in the field, but they will also serve to protect the precious pollinating insects that play a fundamental role in agriculture, especially during the pollination period. The whole process must be organic, therefore: from the cultivation to the moment of harvesting the grapes, which must be done exclusively by hand, up to the vinification, for which the cleaning and sanitizing products used in the winery are necessarily organic, with a higher cost. 

The processes of conventional and organic viticulture are the same, and this results in a qualitatively similar wine. What changes, however, is precisely the action of safeguarding the ecosystem, especially to preserve the aquifers and the biodiversity state of the soil microflora. A renewed relationship is therefore reconstructed between nature and winegrower, who is called to play the role of "keeper": he will not only have to worry about the vine, but everything around it. Because the vineyard is a complex ecosystem, and it is essential that everything is as balanced as possible to function at its best and ensure the end customer a product that is not only good, but also good for you.


From the vinification of 2021, the Vermentino Pian di Seta Bio IGT arrives

Tenute del Cerro's commitment to sustainability translates into numerous actions ranging from water saving with the collection of rainwater, innovative sensors in the vineyard and the use of latest generation agricultural vehicles, up to precision agriculture, for efficient and modern agronomic business management.

In this direction, the completion in 2021 of the organic conversion of the Monterufoli Estate, represents a stage of great importance, realized with the first organic production of Vermentino 2021

In fact, from the 2021 manual harvest of the grapes, the first precious fruits arrived: the Vermentino Pian di Seta Bio IGT. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 15° C, at the end of which, the wine remains in stainless steel in contact with its fine lees for about 3 months. The result is a white wine that gives a unique complexity to the nose, in which fruity and floral notes can be recognized, enriched by mineral hints. The taste is soft, broad, with a fresh and savory finish, characteristics that make it a perfect pairing for fish dishes or medium-aged cheeses, or served as an aperitif. 

Much more than a farmhouse, therefore: we could summarize the Monterufoli Estate in this way, which goes beyond the concept of hospitality, concentrating a set of essential values in a single place. The choice of adopting organic practices really wants to underline the philosophy of a location where everything is uncontaminated. Ready to discover it and taste the newcomer in the wine proposal of the Estate?​

 

 

The best places to visit in Tuscany in spring, among blooming flowers and authentic flavors17/04/2025 22:00:00The best places to visit in Tuscany in spring, among blooming flowers and authentic flavorshttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/the-best-places-to-visit-in-tuscany-in-spring-among-blooming-flowers-and-authentic-flavorsDiscover the best places to visit and experience spring in Tuscany among blooming flowers, authentic flavors, and a unique atmosphere: a dive into nature and tradition18/04/2025 16:01:33047954Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx205htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/cipressi%203.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2025-04-17T22:00:00Z
The art of wine packaging: between design, customization, and sustainability12/03/2025 23:00:00The art of wine packaging: between design, customization, and sustainabilityhttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/the-art-of-wine-packaging-between-design-customization-and-sustainabilityDiscover how wine packaging combines design, customization, and sustainability to enhance every bottle13/03/2025 10:28:34047953Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx187htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Cassette%20di%20legno%20con%20vini%20Monterufoli.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2025-03-12T23:00:00Z
Medieval villages in Tuscany: a journey through history and timeless beauty20/02/2025 23:00:00Medieval villages in Tuscany: a journey through history and timeless beautyhttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/medieval-villages-in-tuscany-a-journey-through-history-and-timeless-beautyFrom Monteriggioni to Radicofani: discover the most charming medieval villages and towns of Tuscany24/02/2025 08:52:08047952Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx326htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Monteriggioni.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2025-02-20T23:00:00Z
Romantic weekend in Tuscany: 10 unforgettable experiences03/02/2025 23:00:00Romantic weekend in Tuscany: 10 unforgettable experienceshttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/romantic-weekend-in-tuscany-10-unforgettable-experiencesDiscover 10 unforgettable experiences for a romantic weekend in Tuscany, surrounded by nature, charming villages, art, and authentic flavors04/02/2025 16:09:24047951Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx384htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Weekend%20romantico.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2025-02-03T23:00:00Z
Wine and road safety at Tenute del Cerro breathalyzers enter the Winery22/01/2025 23:00:00Wine and road safety at Tenute del Cerro breathalyzers enter the Wineryhttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/wine-and-road-safety-at-tenute-del-cerro-breathalyzers-enter-the-wineryTenute del Cerro's Approach to the New Highway Code23/01/2025 11:43:39047950Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx319htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Etilometro%2002.jpeg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2025-01-22T23:00:00Z
The perfect gift for a wine lover: here are some ideas to impress enthusiasts21/11/2024 23:00:00The perfect gift for a wine lover: here are some ideas to impress enthusiastshttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/the-perfect-gift-for-a-wine-lover-here-are-some-ideas-to-impress-enthusiastsHere's some advice for the perfect gift for a wine lover, including tastings, winery tours, and other immersive experiences22/11/2024 14:26:43047949Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx403htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Confezioni%20regalo2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2024-11-21T23:00:00Z
The 2024 harvest at Tenute del Cerro: navigating climate challenges, quality, and understanding the territory07/11/2024 23:00:00The 2024 harvest at Tenute del Cerro: navigating climate challenges, quality, and understanding the territoryhttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/the-2024-harvest-at-tenute-del-cerro-navigating-climate-challenges-quality-and-understanding-the-territoryLet's find out how the 2024 harvest went at Tenute del Cerro with the winemaker Emanuele Nardi, who talks to us about unpredictable weather and interesting results08/11/2024 10:29:52047948Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx431htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Vendemmia%202024%201.JPG" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2024-11-07T23:00:00Z
New Year's Eve in a Tuscany farmhouse: Tenute del Cerro's proposals for the most special evening28/10/2024 23:00:00New Year's Eve in a Tuscany farmhouse: Tenute del Cerro's proposals for the most special eveninghttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/new-years-eve-in-a-tuscany-farmhouse-tenute-del-cerros-proposals-for-the-most-special-eveningDo you want to celebrate New Year's Eve in a farmhouse in Tuscany? Here are two menu proposals for the most special evening of the year, courtesy of Tenute del Cerro!29/10/2024 09:58:27047940Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx1357htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Capodanno%204.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2024-10-28T23:00:00Z
The Farm-to-Table Philosophy of Ristorante La Miniera di Monterufoli01/08/2024 22:00:00The Farm-to-Table Philosophy of Ristorante La Miniera di Monterufolihttps://www.tenutedelcerro.it/en/estates/monterufoli/news/the-farm-to-table-philosophy-of-ristorante-la-miniera-di-monterufoliInterview with Gabriele Macelloni, who tells us about the offering and culinary philosophy of Ristorante La Miniera di Monterufoli02/08/2024 07:13:34047947Fattoria del Cerro La Poderina Monterufoli Colpetrone Tenuta di Montecorona O' di Còlpetrone Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT Book your stay in one of our estates aspx725htmlFalseaspx<img alt="" src="/it/PublishingImages/News/Piatto%20Monterufoli.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />2024-08-01T22:00:00Z