The Rebirth of Foglia Tonda in Tuscany
Native grape varieties represent a precious heritage for Tuscany, a region rich in millennial wine-making traditions. Among these viticultural gems, Foglia Tonda emerges as an authentic pearl that has travelled a fascinating path through the history of viticulture in the region.
The history of
Foglia Tonda
Its history is rooted in the mid-1800s, when it first emerged among more than three thousand existing grape varieties. At the beginning, the Foglia Tonda was considered an oenological treasure, but with the passing of time, it was eclipsed by varieties that were considered ‘easier’ and more internationally famous. Only in the 1970s did this variety get rediscovered and restored to its true value.
Today, this variety, with an all-Tuscan heart, is cultivated in just twenty hectares scattered throughout the region. It is a vigorous plant with imposing pyramid-shaped bunches, which finds its area of choice in the Chianti hills. Foglia Tonda ripens slightly later than its better-known relative, Sangiovese, which is why it is harvested in the first ten days of October.
A rediscovered treasure
The rediscovery of Foglia Tonda represents an important chapter in the history of native Tuscan grape varieties, as it returns a treasure of inestimable value to the region. Its name is a tribute to the characteristic rounded shape of its leaves, almost without lobes, a peculiarity that makes it immediately recognisable among other vines. This vine blends the ancient characteristics of tradition with modern winemaking methods. Each sip tells the story of Tuscany, celebrating its authenticity and oenological heritage.
Our Foglia Tonda
Foglia Tonda requires careful management of the production load, which we practise starting with dry pruning, continuing with the selection of the shoots and, when necessary, thinning the bunches during green harvest.
For the ageing of this precious wine we have chosen to use terracotta, in particular the Orci of Impruneta. This choice aims to preserve the special characteristics of the vine and to create a connection between the clay soil in which the vine is rooted and the clay of the Orci in which the wine matures.
Our Fogliatonda matures in pitchers for a year, and then finally matures in bottles for between 12 and 18 months. This painstaking effort results in a final product of inestimable value. Each bottle is identified by a progressive numbering, underlining its authenticity and uniqueness.
