While visiting Tuscany, I had the incredible opportunity to sample a unique wine that embodies a centuries-old viticultural method known as "vite maritata." This technique, which involves growing vines on trees, was first brought to Italy by the Etruscans and was also practiced in France before the phylloxera crisis. It allowed farmers to cultivate grapes alongside other crops and livestock. In Portugal’s Minho region, similar practices persist with vines trellised at height over pergolas, leaving the ground clear for additional agricultural use.
The wine I tasted, Buondommo Lèmme Lèmme 2019 IGT Toscana, features grapes grown on maple trees, with the vines originally planted between the 1930s and 1950s, surviving amidst contemporary farming practices. Composed of various grape varieties including Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Black Malvasia, and Colorino, it exhibits a low density of 500 vines per hectare. The wine has been matured for a year in 400-liter Clayver ceramic vessels.
This delightful vintage, with an alcohol content of 14%, presents a vibrant medley of cherry and raspberry flavors, boasting brightness and freshness. Its juicy character showcases red cherry and redcurrant notes—with a stony edge that adds to its appeal. The wine’s purity and expressive attributes earned it an impressive score of 94/100.
For more insights into the historical roots of this practice, you can read further here: Guado Al Melo – The Married Vine.