Respecting the land has always been a guiding principle for the Lamole di Lamole estate in Chianti Classico. A strong commitment to working sustainably is just one way this historic estate is leaving its legacy for the future.
Vineyards have played an important role in Lamole since Roman times. In 1350, the Florentine Gherardini family even built a castle to protect the area’s valuable agricultural assets. The estate vineyards of Lamole di Lamole are especially unique. Located in the commune of Greve— the most esteemed of Chianti Classico’s eight municipalities—they thrive at some of the highest altitudes in the region, anywhere from 1,148 feet to 2,149 feet above sea level. Vines receive long hours of sunshine, which aids with ripening, but the continental climate and large diurnal shifts allow for bright acidity to develop. Cultivated on stone wall terraces, the rocky material of these orderly ledges absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, mitigating potential damage that cold overnight temperatures could cause. Today, Lamole di Lamole focuses on 14 different Sangiovese clones that grow best in the galestro and albarese soils, but in vineyards like Vigneto Storico (“Historic Vineyard”) about 30 different clone types have been identified overall.
With so much history at its fingertips, it’s more important than ever that Lamole di Lamole preserves its heritage. In 2005, the first steps were taken to convert to organic viticulture, and today the vineyards and the wines are certified organic. Chemicals are never used in the vineyards; only minimal amounts of natural compounds such as copper and sulfur are used if necessary. Through the use of infrared photography, only vines that absolutely need any treatment receive it. Grass and other cover crops flourish during the growing season, absorbing excess water and competing with vines for nutrition from the soils. But competition in this case is a good thing as it creates grapes with character and complexity.
Respecting the cyclical nature of farming, cuttings leftover from pruning and harvesting become compost. These are then further enriched with aloe, algae, orange oil, and propolis. The organic materials strengthen vines’ immunity against diseases.
Biodiversity in the landscape leads to healthier vines and better wines. Major water conservation and reforestation efforts are in place to protect the woodlands which surround the vineyards. Also part of a thriving ecosystem are the insects and animals that inhabit the land; by creating a welcoming environment for them to flourish, these creatures protect vines from pests and other threats to the vineyards. All wines are vegan, meaning no animal by-products are used during the filtration process; rather, bentonite clay, yeast-derived and vegetable-derived products aid in this stage of the winemaking process.
When it comes time to bottle Lamole di Lamole’s elegant wines, the work is close at hand; the Lamole di Lamole winery sits among the estate vineyards so transportation of grapes during harvest is minimal, thus reducing gas emissions. Wine production and bottling take place at the same facility, which also eliminates the need for transportation. Bottles themselves are made from 65 percent recycled glass. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, working locally creates a thriving economy in Lamole while preserving the region’s cultural traditions.
By committing to the future now, Lamole di Lamole will preserve the culture of winemaking for generations to come. Click here to experience Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico wines for yourself.
Last Updated: September 28, 2022
