Vineyards and Cellar
The surface area of the currently cultivated vineyards is 10.7 hectares: 6.5 hectares of white grapes and 4.2 hectares of red grapes, all varieties listed among the IGT and DOC wines of Umbria.
Most of the vineyards are located on the southern slope of Carnaiola hill.
In the higher part, there are red grape varieties: Cabernet Frank and Sauvignon and Merlot.
In the central part of the slope are Chardonnay, Sangiovese Grosso, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the lower part there are white grape vineyards, the traditional varieties of Orvieto DOC (Trebbiano, Verdello, Malvasia, Grechetto, and Drupeccio) and Grechetto.
On the opposite side of the valley, facing north, in a plot of about 3 hectares, are the most recent vineyards of white grapes (Vermentino, Malvasia Toscana, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay) and red grapes (Sangiovese Grosso, Canaiolo Nero).
Given the great variety of grape varieties, the harvest extends over about 6 weeks, generally starting at the end of August and finishing in early October. The grapes picked are immediately delivered to the cellar to begin the winemaking process, or sent to the cooperative winery.
White grapes, in particular, are immediately pressed in the presence of dry ice (CO2) to protect them from early oxidation, and the must is sent to insulated steel tanks kept at low temperature. The proximity of the vineyards to the cellar significantly reduces the time between harvest and the start of winemaking, helping to prevent oxidation and loss of aromas.
The great thermal inertia of the building where winemaking takes place, thanks to its thick stone walls, makes it easier to control and maintain the temperatures most suitable for the fermentation and maturation phases of the must. The ambient temperature and the temperature of the wines in process are independently regulated by a conditioning system mainly powered by a powerful photovoltaic system.
The particular thermal control conditions adopted have made it possible to use winemaking methods for white musts that maximize the distinctive features of the classic Umbrian grape varieties planted in the Murogrosso vineyards. The results obtained under the guidance of oenologist Massimo Bartolini confirm the validity of these choices.
The refinement and aging of red wines, according to the character of the grape varieties and the type of finished product, are carried out through distinct periods of storage in French barriques and small oak barrels.
The sale of bulk and bottled wine takes place not only in the cellar but also at a company store located on Via Nazionale, in the center of Fabro Scalo.