OLD VINEYARD MILLOCCHIO

The wines of Ranchelle "Millocchio Bianco" and "Millocchio Rosso" come from 60 years old vineyards located on a hill that in the topografic map of the area is named "Millocchio". In the past in this area there were many vineyards and due to this fact it had been called “Millocchio” (“thousand gems”).
Today these vineyards are among the few left in the area. In fact, unfortunately most of the vineyards which in the past had rendered this area famous for excellent wines throughout Tuscany, have been uprooted or replaced with international varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon or with common Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Vermentino. In this way a good part of a great heritage of native grape varieties of the Maremma has been lost.
In the vineyards of the "Millocchio" a variety of indegenous grape varieties are still present, such as Alicante, Ciliegiolo, Barbera, Bonamico, Cannaiolo, Mammolo, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Pugnitello concerning red varieties and Procanico, Ansonica, Clairette ("Francesino"), Trebbiano, Malavasia Bianca for the white varieties.
The vinyard is maintained following the principles of natural farming with yearly green-manure. During springtime and summer they are treated with minimal amounts of brimstone and copper-sulfate (using less than 25% of the quantity allowed in organic farming).
The wines Millocchio Bianco and Millocchio Rosso are made from the grapes of this old vineyard.