Philosophy

Over 3 decades of organic farming has shaped the way we think of soil. The old view prompted by conventional farming sees the soil merely as a physical substrate into which plants root to find support, water and nutrients. At Querciabella, we treat it as a living medium, critical to good farming and key to a stable wine-growing ecosystem.

Our winemaking manifesto condemns the reliance on agrochemicals that disrupt the ecosystem, contaminate water supplies, harm wildlife, and crucially impact the vine’s ability to organise its own nutrient system. Instead, we advocate for conscious viticulture that naturally creates a balanced environment not only for the vines to thrive in but also for the microorganisms that support their activity.

We stand in firm opposition to the use of GMOs and reject any artificial manipulations: stripped by any unnecessary additives, our winemaking focuses on preserving precision and varietal purity, bringing out the essence of each grape we grow to the highest degree possible.

Organic certification

Biodynamic means, in its simplest form, balanced. Although we don’t subscribe to the more spiritual elements of traditional biodynamics, we embrace its philosophy of looking at the interconnectedness of all things and share the same priority of bringing life back to the vineyard.

From cover-crops to herbal preparations as well as manual tending and the correct timing of viticultural interventions, we combine various techniques to ensure ecological balance. With roots feeding deep into healthy, living soil, the vines thrive and achieve a more homogenous growth and grape ripening. At the same time, by enhancing the natural connections between the vine roots and soil bacteria, microorganisms and fungi, we allow each vineyard to express its site-specific character.

Anyone who doubts the benefits of biodynamic farming should take a walk in our vineyards in Chianti Classico or Maremma in springtime. It’s an incredible experience. The hum and buzz of insects are almost deafening. Rare bird species, partridges and wood pigeons, wild animals like hare, and roe dear all roam free. This is how a healthy ecosystem should look like, not the desolate, lifeless picture of commercial vineyards.

The conversion of all the estate’s operations to plant-based in 2010 is the culmination of Querciabella efforts to square the circle of ethical morality with quality winemaking.

According to textbook biodynamics, animal-based preparations, including cow horns filled with manure, must be used to boost soil’s fertility. We argue that natural forests, which we look to as examples of healthy eco-systems, are in no way reliant on domesticated-animal products.

The implications of a vegan choice extend far beyond the exclusion of a few ingredients from the vineyard and cellar. Special emphasis is placed on respecting the vine natural cycles, promoting biodiversity and healthy soil life. We achieve this by supplying organic matter in various forms such as green manure, the spreading of plant-based compost and the extensive use of cover crops. Sovescio, the Italian term for cover crops, also protects the soil from erosion and dehydration, significantly binds CO2 and stimulates the formation of permanent humus.

We are living proof that a winegrowing approach free from animal cruelty is not only entirely possible, but it’s also beneficial and instrumental in achieving extraordinary enological results.