Guardians of the Vineyards

Have you ever noticed roses planted at the end of rows of grape vines? Maybe in Chianti, or passing through Montalcino, or maybe when driving up the road to Montestigliano…

It is true that they decorate the vineyard, but that is not why they are planted.

The truth is that in the past, in the absence of more advanced technologies, roses were used to warn winemakers of diseases such as mold, fungi and possible attacks by insects and aphids.

Roses usually show symptoms before the vines, thus warning the farmer in advance and giving him time to prepare for an attack which, if not stopped in time, could cause the loss of an entire harvest.

Nowadays the vines still need a lot of care and attention, but they are much more robust than in the past and the rose now has more of a symbolic value than anything else. It is an omen of good health and prosperity for the coming harvest, it adds beauty and is a tribute to our ancestors.

Here at Montestigliano, we have chosen three types of roses, of different colours, to indicate the different grape varieties.

Red for Sangiovese, the predominant grape used in traditional Tuscan red wines, such as Chianti, Rosso di Montepulciano and more recently Brunello.

Apricot colour for Ciliegiolo, a more lively grape variety, and Vermentino.

Finally, a light yellow for the Trebbiano variety.

We look forward to being able to share our very own production of wine with our guests in the near future.