At Wine Garden Inn, we’re passionate about showcasing the remarkable stories behind the vintners who nourish our land and craft our most cherished wines. Today, we’re thrilled to shine a light on Avignonesi Winery, a true leader in sustainable, regenerative viticulture.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this sprawling 175-hectare estate represents a bold vision for the future of winemaking – one that prioritizes biodiversity, soil health, and a profound reverence for the natural world. Under the fearless stewardship of owner Virginie Saverys, Avignonesi has embarked on an ambitious journey to restore the vibrancy of their historic vineyards, while elevating the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano appellation to new heights.
Biodiversity Conservation
When Virginie first acquired Avignonesi in 2009, she was confronted with a sobering reality: the estate’s vineyards had been managed through a devastating regime of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers for decades. “I watched as staff would cover themselves from head to toe to spray these chemicals, and I thought, ‘these products can’t be good for you,'” Virginie recalls.
Determined to chart a new course, she quickly set out to transition the entire operation to organic and biodynamic viticulture – a holistic approach that views the vineyard as a self-sustaining “farm organism” in harmonious balance with nature. This meant bidding farewell to chemical inputs and embracing a diverse array of regenerative practices, from introducing livestock and cover crops to crafting custom compost and biodynamic preparations.
Today, Avignonesi is the largest biodynamic vineyard in Tuscany, a testament to Virginie’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. “I’ve seen it work,” she affirms. “Many studies show that biodynamic soils have more healthy bacteria and microbial life, and it shows in the wines.”
Organic Viticulture Practices
At the heart of Avignonesi’s environmental stewardship lies a meticulous, precision-driven approach to organic viticulture. By meticulously mapping the estate’s 11 distinct vineyards – each with its own unique soil profile, rootstock, and clone composition – the winery’s team has been able to tailor their organic and biodynamic practices to the specific needs of each site.
“We don’t use purchased yeasts,” Virginie explains. “We work with our own indigenous yeasts or make ‘pied de cuvees’ – the winemaking equivalent of sourdough starter.” This commitment to minimal intervention extends to their sulfur management, with Avignonesi’s wines falling well below the limits for organic and biodynamic certification, while still ensuring proper preservation for international distribution.
Ecosystem Management
But Avignonesi’s sustainability efforts go far beyond the vineyard. The estate is home to a vibrant array of native plants, wildlife, and livestock – all of which play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of the local ecosystem.
“We have 18 bee hives on the property,” Virginie shares, “and a flock of sheep, geese, and chickens that provide ongoing fertility for our soils.” The team is even in the process of introducing a herd of Chianina cattle, the famous breed behind the renowned Bistecca Fiorentina.
These integrated, regenerative practices not only nurture the land but also foster a rich tapestry of biodiversity, from the countless species of birds and insects to the diverse array of cover crops and native vegetation that thrive across the estate.
Terroir and Microclimate
Avignonesi’s commitment to sustainability extends to every facet of their operations, including a deep reverence for the unique terroir and microclimate of their estate vineyards. Nestled in the heart of the Montepulciano and Cortona regions, these historic sites boast a remarkable diversity of soil types, from heavy clay and blue clay to sand and loam.
This mosaic of microclimates and soil compositions not only shapes the character of Avignonesi’s renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano but also informs the winery’s meticulous approach to precision viticulture. By mapping every subtle variation in their vineyards, the team is able to tailor their organic and biodynamic applications to the specific needs of each parcel, ensuring the vines’ optimal health and the ultimate expression of their terroir.
Sustainable Winemaking
But Avignonesi’s environmental ethos doesn’t stop at the vineyard gates. In the winery, the team is equally committed to sustainable practices, from the use of renewable energy sources to innovative water conservation strategies and comprehensive waste reduction programs.
“Our wines receive minimal intervention in the cellar,” Virginie affirms. “We don’t use purchased yeasts, and we’re well below the sulfur limits of organic and biodynamic winemaking.” This dedication to low-impact, terroir-driven winemaking is further reflected in Avignonesi’s pursuit of B Corp certification, a rigorous standard that recognizes their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Visitor Experience
For wine lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike, a visit to Avignonesi is a truly transformative experience. The estate offers a range of educational tours and immersive experiences that showcase its remarkable journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
“I believe we owe it to wine lovers and our planet to do better,” Virginie declares. “We can’t go on like this, and I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror if I didn’t try.”
From guided vineyard walks that explore the estate’s vibrant ecosystem to hands-on workshops on biodynamic farming and winemaking, Avignonesi invites guests to dive deep into the winery’s inspiring story of environmental stewardship. And of course, no visit would be complete without savoring the estate’s exceptional, terroir-driven wines – a true reflection of their commitment to sustainable excellence.
So, the next time you raise a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, let it be a toast to the visionaries like Virginie Saverys, who are leading the charge towards a more sustainable, biodiversity-rich future for the wine industry. At Wine Garden Inn, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Avignonesi and the remarkable work they’re doing to nurture our precious land.