We could not be prouder of our CHIANTI RASPBERRIES.
Vignamaggios’ organic fruit orchard project began in 2015 on uncultivated, sunny land on the Montagliari plains.
Other than pomegranates, plums, figs, apricots, apples and pears, in the cooler Mulino del Piano section, we have planted berries, such as raspberries and blackberries as well as black, white and red currants.
A real novelty in Chianti, where the vineyard – olive grove combination has dominated for at least 70 years.
THE BEGINNING
The berry plantation is in a valley on the banks of the Greve, where the river narrows and where the old watermill area begins.
A very cool section, sheltered from the wind but sunny, that has remained unchanged over the years, protected from drought and pollution.
This type of plant prefers aerated, light soil. The first challenge encountered was to improve the heavy clay soil, lifting it to avoid stagnation and adding lots of compost.
Produced from the Vignamaggio garden, compost is fundamental in increasing organic content vital for plant growth.
IRRIGATION AND MATURATION
The berry field spans over an area of 3000 square metres and is irrigated by drip system, reducing the risks associated with imminent drought these days.
To ensure a continual harvest of fruit throughout the summer season, we have selected different varieties based on their ripening times.
Our berries are also organic: they are hardy and resistant plants, not requiring any specific treatment.
THE HARVEST
The 3-year growth cycle means that full production occurs in the third year. Despite their young age, our plants have already begun producing small quantities of raspberries and red currents, which we use to decorate the desserts at the Monna Lisa Restaurant.
The harvesting these fruits require is manual, painstaking and constant: it is done in the morning, at least two to three times a week during the period of maximum production.
We hope that this first year goes well, despite the very dry spells and in the meanwhile… we will taste our first raspberries.
THE HARVEST MONTHS
From the beginning of June to mid-June: RED CURRENTS
End of June: RASPBERRIES AND BLACK CURRENTS
From the beginning of July to the end of July: RASPBERRIES AND WHITE CURRENTS
August: BLACKBERRIES
From the end of August to mid-September: BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES
Arrivederci,
Vignamaggio Team