Our agricultural vision:
organic and biodynamic
By combining the careful care of the vineyard with the choice of organic production (introduced in 2017 and officially certified starting with the 2021 vintage), we avoid the use of chemicals, using copper and sulfur instead.
All this helps to keep the surrounding ecosystem consisting of centuries-old oaks and Mediterranean scrub, inhabited by many species of animals and insects , precious allies of biodiversity, healthy and intact.
Once the conversion to organic farming was completed, we decided to work on soil fertility and improved plant resistance, by introducing biodynamic agriculture tools and techniques.
Our goal is to strengthen the balance between plants and vineyard as a whole to restore its characteristics (the terroir) to the wine and to counteract the effects of climate change that is leading to an increase in average temperatures, contributing to water stress in the vineyards if not conducted through a careful and attentive agronomic strategy.
To help the natural fertility of the soils and reactivate the organic substance present within it, during the year we use biodynamic preparations 500 and 501, as well as herbal teas and decoctions if necessary.
On our farm we have also introduced the breeding of bees, thanks to a local beekeeper who arranges his hives throughout the year, with all the benefits that lead both to biodiversity and to the improvement of the pollination of the vineyards and of the various fruit plants present.
Our Vineyards
Podere Casina today owns 12 hectares dedicated to vineyards out of a total of 45 owned by the family: 9.5 of Sangiovese, 1.5 of Syrah and 1 of Vermentino.
The agronomic management of our vineyards is based on naturalness, sustainability, and conservation, both of the soil and of biodiversity
For several years, to avoid the use of herbicides or other chemical products, we have decided to carry out manual processing between one plant and another. We cultivate the soil by alternating natural grassing, which increases its fertility and reduces its erosion, with surface tilling that improves the structure and helps retain the water within the soil.
During the summer we give great importance to the arrangement of the Sangiovese leaves: we remove those touched by the morning sun to speed up the evaporation of the dew on the large clusters, preventing the attack of gray molds to which it is very sensitive, while the top ones are left intact to act as a sunshade, protecting against harmful burns.
The harvest, which lasts from about mid-September to mid-October, is decided on the basis of weekly sugar level checks and organoleptic evaluations.
Our Vineyards
Podere Casina today owns 12 hectares dedicated to vineyards out of a total of 45 owned by the family: 9.5 of Sangiovese, 1.5 of Syrah and 1 of Vermentino.
The agronomic management of our vineyards is based on naturalness, sustainability, and conservation, both of the soil and of biodiversity
For several years, to avoid the use of herbicides or other chemical products, we have decided to carry out manual processing between one plant and another. We cultivate the soil by alternating natural grassing, which increases its fertility and reduces its erosion, with surface tilling that improves the structure and helps retain the water within the soil.
During the summer we give great importance to the arrangement of the Sangiovese leaves: we remove those touched by the morning sun to speed up the evaporation of the dew on the large clusters, preventing the attack of gray molds to which it is very sensitive, while the top ones are left intact to act as a sunshade, protecting against harmful burns.
The harvest, which lasts from about mid-September to mid-October, is decided on the basis of weekly sugar level checks and organoleptic evaluations.
In the Cellar
The harvest concludes the work done in the vineyard and starts that in the cellar.
We choose among different winemaking techniques depending on the individual plot of land of provenance, making wine for each type of grape to enhance its characteristics to the maximum.
After the destemming of the grapes, the must flows into the stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature: thus, thanks to the natural yeasts, the alcoholic fermentation spontaneously begins.
The maceration of the skins of red wines can last up to 18 days depending on the vintage and the type of grape. Depending on the needs, evaluated by monitoring the organoleptic characteristics of the must, we decide day by day the best process to follow and the number of pumpovers and dèlastages.
The “fiore” wine is left to rest in 30-hectolitre concrete tanks where the malolactic fermentation will naturally take place. Cement, thanks to its porosity, allows an optimal maturation of the product and preserves the authenticity of our wines.
For Vermentino, on the other hand, a classic white vinification is followed, aimed at enhancing its particular aromatic and sensorial characteristics.
The use of sulphites is reduced in all wines to the minimum necessary for optimal wine conservation (generally less than 50 mg / liter of total sulfur dioxide).
Once bottled, the wine is left to rest for several months so that it can mature optimally and release its qualities at the time of tasting
Our Wines
We immediately decided to focus on a few varieties and types, able to best express the uniqueness of the Maremma area and of our estate in particular.
The oenological objective is to know how to read and convey the characteristics of the individual vineyards, their exposures, and soils to the wines.
Most of our production is dedicated to Morellino di Scansano DOCG, flanked by two DOC Maremma Toscana wines – a Rosato from Sangiovese and Syrah grapes and Don Lucifero, our idea of a fresh and young Sangiovese, which ages in concrete several months before bottling – and from three IGT Toscana wines: a Vermentino, a Syrah, the only “international” concession, and Aione, a Sangiovese aged fourteen months in French oak barrels.
Since the 2021 vintage, the wines have officially been certified organic.
Tastings
At Podere Casina we are very happy to welcome you for a visit.
Under the shade of our olive trees or in the cozy tasting room you can try all our wines and, if you like them, purchase them.
It is also possible to take a tour of the property, from the vineyards to the cellar, to get to know and discover the production phases behind our products.
Upon reservation, we can organize snacks to combine local food with our wines: cold cuts, cheeses and other typical products of the area.
We only ask you to contact us in advance before your visit!