Fontesecca began in 2004 with the purchase of a small farm at Città della Pieve, in the province of Perugia. The vineyards and cellar retain the name of their locality, Fontesecca. An existing one-hectare vineyard planted in 1973 contained the varieties the growers chose to champion: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo for reds, and Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto and Malvasia for whites.
Three rows of old Ciliegiolo remain productive. Cuttings taken at pruning were used for part of the new Ciliegiolo plantings, maintaining a connection with the vineyard’s history and distinctive local character. Where quantities allow, grapes are vinified separately to express varieties often blended with international grapes. The original range describes four single-variety wines: one rosé and three reds.
The ten-hectare property forms a single block of vines and olives at 350 metres, below medieval Città della Pieve and overlooking the Valdichiana. Monte Cetona, in the province of Siena, lies nearby. Fossilised shells regularly emerge from the soil, recalling the sea that covered the area millions of years ago. They feature in the estate’s logo as a symbol of its connection with the land and earlier generations of farmers; the growers also associate this geological history with their wines’ mineral and savoury character.
The north–south-oriented vineyard is surrounded by woodland and grows on predominantly sandy soils. Conditions vary by year, but springs are generally fairly rainy and summers hot.
From the outset, organic farming and native varieties have guided the project. The growers personally tend their grapes from pruning to harvest. Fruit is hand-picked into 20 kg crates and taken straight to the cellar to preserve its condition. Thinning keeps yields well below the production rules’ limits, prioritising quality.
The same principles continue in the cellar. Fermentation takes place without added yeasts, and no winemaking aids are used apart from a small amount of sulphur dioxide, described as well below organic limits. There is no fining and almost no filtration. Passion, respect and attention to nature guide the daily work.
Fontesecca shares the vision of Evoluzione Naturale. Come and discover their stories and wines.
FONTESECCA — Vocabolo Fontesecca, 30
Contact details
06062 Città della Pieve (PG)
Tel.: +39 348 914 4916
Email: paolofontesecca@gmail.com
Web: fontesecca.it
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