Bisci Marche Villa Castiglioni 2006
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Bisci practices organic agriculture, but is not certified organic. Integrated insect and disease control is followed. The Marche Region monitors climatic data and informs the growers in regard to the need for disease control. To thwart mold and pests, sulfur and copper-based products are used in the vineyards. For nutritional purposes, vineyard owners use "managed" cover crops between the rows of vines. The soil is tilled to avoid competition between the roots for nutrients, water and oxygen. When needed, organic fertilizer (manure) is used after the harvest. Low doses of SO2 in the wines help preserve the wine’s quality.
Disenchanted with Italian winemaking laws in the 1970s, a few rebellious Tuscan winemakers decided to get creative. Instead of following tradition, to bottle Sangiovese by itself, they started blending it with international varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah in differing proportions and with amazing success. However, some Tuscan Blends don’t even include Sangiovese. Somm Secret—The suffix –aia in Italian modifies a word in much the same way –y acts in English. For example, a place with many stones (sassi) becomes Sassicaia. While not all Super Tuscan producer names end in –aia, they all share a certain coy nomenclature.
Stretching along Italy’s eastern coast with neighbors, Umbria to its west and Abruzzo to its south, Marche is a region with a varying climate from north to south. Its coastal plains roll into hills that become the Apennine Mountains, which run the length of the country. The Marche's best red wines come from the grapes, Montepulciano and Sangiovese; the local Verdicchio makes refreshing, crisp and light whites.