Poggio La Tana, Tuscany, Italy
Poggio La Tana, Tuscany, Italy
Situated in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, Poggio La Tana epitomizes the enduring bond between land, family, and tradition. This boutique winery spans two hectares and produces fewer than 10,000 bottles annually, emphasizing quality over quantity. At its heart lies the “Vigna Vecchia,” a historic one-hectare vineyard planted in 1965 by the family’s patriarch, Giuseppe “Beppe” Michelini.
The “Vigna Vecchia” is a living mosaic of Tuscan viticulture, featuring Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Nera, Merlot, and Trebbiano. This diverse composition enhances the complexity and authenticity of the resulting wines. The traditional vine spacing of 3 meters by 1.5 meters allows optimal sunlight exposure, fostering grapes with rich, concentrated flavors. Moreover, the deep-rooted vines exhibit remarkable resilience during droughts, drawing sustenance from deep within the Tuscan soil.
The estate’s flagship offering is a certified organic Chianti DOCG, meticulously crafted from the “Vigna Vecchia.” This wine embodies its terroir, with Sangiovese imparting vibrant acidity and red fruit notes, while Canaiolo and Colorino add depth and color. The inclusion of Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano introduces subtle floral and citrus nuances, resulting in a well-balanced, multifaceted wine.
The story of Poggio La Tana is deeply intertwined with the Michelini family’s heritage. Although the current agricultural enterprise was established in 2001 with the acquisition of an ancient farmhouse and its olive grove, the family’s winemaking roots extend much further back. The “Vigna Vecchia” serves as a tangible link to their past, embodying the passion and dedication of Beppe Michelini. Today, the family continues to honor his legacy by tending to the vineyard with the same care and reverence, ensuring that his dream endures for generations.
Preserving this historic vineyard holds profound significance both genetically and sustainably. Genetically, the “Vigna Vecchia” is a repository of ancient clones and indigenous varieties that have adapted to the local environment over decades, safeguarding a unique heritage that contributes to the diversity and resilience of regional viticulture. Sustainably, the deep-rooted, older vines require less intervention, reducing the need for irrigation and chemical inputs. This natural equilibrium aligns with the family’s commitment to organic farming and environmental stewardship.
Poggio La Tana’s philosophy centers on honoring the past while embracing the future. Valuing the “Vigna Vecchia” involves more than cultivating grapes; it’s about preserving a narrative that encapsulates the family’s journey through time. The vineyard stands as a guardian of memories, where tradition and innovation converge to produce wines that tell the story of their land and lineage. By sharing this story, the Michelini family invites others to experience the soul of their heritage, one bottle at a time.
In essence, Poggio La Tana is more than a winery; it is a living chronicle of familial devotion, cultural preservation, and artisanal excellence. Through their unwavering dedication to the “Vigna Vecchia,” the Michelini family crafts wines that are expressions of their terroir and embodiments of a rich, enduring legacy.
www.poggiolatana.com
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