Winemaker: Alex Fulvi and Olivia Maggioli
Where: Valmarecchia, Emilia-Romagna/Tuscany/Marche, Italy
Size: 100 ha farm & 8 ha under vine
Main Varieties: Trebbiano, Grechetto & Sangiovese
Viticulture: Organic Certified – Biodynamic agriculture
Quick note: They have a B&B and Restaurant, with 100 ha of biodynamic agriculture – they provide as much of their own produce as possible, including olive oil, honey, bread, vegetables, fruit, preserves, vermouth, amaro and wine!
In the borderland between Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Marche, the Maggioli family have established a beautiful 100 hectares biodynamic estate since 2003. Sitting 400m high into the hillsides under the Montebello fortress in the province of Rimini, Olivia Maggiori has continued the tradition of winemaking in the family, along with her partner Alex Fulvi.
Tenuta Saiano is actually much more than just a winery, now comprising around 100 hectares, the farm is based on biodiversity, regenerative soil health and biodynamic agricultural principles. Within the farm they cultivate vines and olive trees, seasonal vegetable gardens and ancient varieties of fruit trees, in order to produce their own honey, grains for bread, olive oil, vermouth and of course their own wine. They also operate a seasonal B&B where their aim is to provide much of the produce for people dining and staying.
The 8 hectares vineyards are planted with a mix of Grechetto Gentile, Trebbiano Romagnolo and Sangiovese. Harvesting is all done by hand, some direct pressing, spontaneous fermentations, no filtration and ageing in steel, cement, qvevri or wood depending on the wine.
Tenuta Saiano is a beautiful example of premium agriculture manage in a wholistic way, creating products they themselves use, from bread to olive oil, vermouth and wine. The wines are joyful, humble and delicious, with the backbone of extremely dedicated agriculture and biodiversity.
