Orsi Vigneto San Vito Sui Lieviti NV

Orsi Vigneto San Vito is a pioneering natural wine producer based in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Located near Bologna in the Colli Bolognesi region, the winery is known for its commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices, which reflect a deep respect for the land and its natural ecosystem.

The winery has a long history of wine production, but it underwent a significant transformation in 2005 when Federico Orsi and his wife Carola took over the estate. Their philosophy centers on producing wines that are a true expression of their terroir, embracing traditional methods and avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals both in the vineyard and the cellar.

Orsi Vigneto San Vito's vineyards are cultivated using biodynamic practices, which focus on enhancing the vitality of the soil and plants. This approach is based on the idea that a healthy vineyard ecosystem will produce grapes requiring minimal winemaking intervention. The estate's commitment to biodynamics is part of a broader vision to create wines with a strong sense of place, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Colli Bolognesi.

In the cellar, Orsi Vigneto San Vito adheres to a low-intervention approach, allowing the natural fermentation process with indigenous yeasts. The wines are neither filtered nor clarified, which helps preserve their natural texture and complexity. This hands-off philosophy extends to using sulfites, which are kept to an absolute minimum to let the wine express its true nature.

One of the winery's most notable offerings is its "Sui Lieviti" wines. These sparkling wines are made using the traditional method of second fermentation in the bottle without disgorgement. This results in a slightly cloudy wine with lees remaining in the bottle, giving it a unique texture and flavor profile.

Orsi Vigneto San Vito is renowned for its wines made from Pignoletto, a native grape variety of the region. The winery produces still and sparkling versions of Pignoletto, with the sparkling "Sui Lieviti" being a standout. These wines are celebrated for their bright acidity, fresh citrus flavors, and subtle complexity, often accompanied by a slightly bitter finish characteristic of the Pignoletto grape.

Other varieties cultivated at the estate include Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are used to produce distinctive red wines that embody the winery's philosophy of minimal intervention and terroir expression.

Orsi Vigneto San Vito has become a leading name in the natural wine movement in Italy. It has influenced a new generation of winemakers to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize the health of the vineyard and the authenticity of the wine. Their wines are a testament to biodynamic agriculture's potential to produce exceptional quality wines that are true to their origins.

History

Emilia-Romagna's viticultural legacy dates back to ancient times, with both the Etruscans and Romans recognizing the value of the region's fertile terrains.

Subsequently, they initiated the cultivation of vineyards, thereby establishing the foundational pillars of the region's wine legacy. Over time, Emilia-Romagna welcomed various traders and settlers, and their collective contributions further shaped its wine traditions.

Terroir

Geographically, Emilia-Romagna spans from the expansive plains of the Po River to the rugged terrains of the Apennine Mountains. The region's climatic conditions, moderated by the Adriatic Sea, provide an optimal environment for viticulture. Its terroir, characterized by a composite soil structure of clay, silt, and sand, accentuates the uniqueness of its vineyards.

This particular soil composition ensures that grapes cultivated here encapsulate the region's intrinsic qualities, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of Emilia-Romagna.

Wines

Emilia-Romagna is a repository of diverse wines, with Lambrusco often being the most recognized. However, its offerings extend beyond this effervescent variety. The region's Sangiovese reds are emblematic of its profound wine-producing expertise, while the Trebbiano whites exhibit a distinct lightness and elegance.

With an increasing emphasis on organic and natural wine production, Emilia-Romagna is poised to be at the forefront of contemporary vinicultural innovations, underscoring the belief that wine is not merely a beverage but a narrative of its origins.