Some are still undergoing conversion while others have already gained organic certification. Others are aiming for semi-organic status or have subscribed to natural winemaking. What is certain is that wine producers in the Chianti Colli Fiorentini area have an ever-increasing penchant for going green.
25% of wine estates belonging to the Chianti Colli Fiorentini consortium now have organic certification status. The first pioneers of this movement were Tenuta San Vito, in Montelupo Fiorentino, back in 1982, followed by Fattoria San Michele a Torri, in Scandicci, in 1993. New members to the Consortium, Ottomani, Podere Casaccia and Gualandi, all produce wines according to eco-friendly systems ranging from organic to biodynamic.
In a recent press release, president of the Chianti Colli Fiorentini Consortium, Marina Malenchini, commented, “Among the Consortium’s companies there’s an increasing popularity and preference to adopt an approach that is as respectful as possible towards our land and the surrounding environment.”
Operation Pollinator is one example of the environmentally friendly activities adopted by the consortium, the first Italian winemaking association to subscribe to the international project. The initiative began in spring 2015 with the aim of protecting biodiversity through setting up habitats that provide sources of pollen and nectar to insects in farming areas.
Try the wines of Fattoria San Michele a Torri at The Florentine Wine Club’s Pizza and Wine Pairing Dinner on April 28, 7.30pm, at Simbiosi. To reserve the night’s special tasting menu, email wine@theflorentine.net.