I Botri di Ghiaccioforte
イ・ボトリ・ディ・ギアッチョフォルテ
Maremma's organic pioneer, farming 1969-planted indigenous vines since 1989.
I Botri di Ghiaccioforte is a small organic estate in Scansano (Grosseto), in the Tuscan Maremma, purchased in May 1989 by oenologist Giancarlo Lanza and sommelier Giulia Andreozzi. The estate's vineyards were originally planted in 1969 on two hills facing the Etruscan site of Ghiaccio Forte, along the Via Aquilaia, overlooking the Albegna river valley at roughly 250 metres above sea level, on limestone-rich, skeletal soils. In 1994 the estate became the first certified organic wine producer in the Maremma Grosseto area, and it was also the first to release an organic Morellino di Scansano. Around five hectares are cultivated exclusively with indigenous Tuscan varieties propagated by mass selection: Sangiovese (locally called Morellino), Prugnolo Gentile, Alicante (the local name for Grenache) and Ciliegiolo for the reds, and Procanico (Trebbiano Toscano), Ansonica, old Tuscan Malvasia, Vermentino and Bianconcello for the whites. Vineyard treatments are limited to reduced doses of copper and sulphur, and winemaking favours minimal intervention to express the mineral, saline character of the Albegna valley terroir. The flagship wine is the Morellino di Scansano Riserva 'Vigna I Botri'.
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Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who want an authentic, terroir-driven taste of the Tuscan Maremma through rare indigenous varieties like Ciliegiolo, Alicante and old-vine Morellino, grown organically since before it was fashionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is I Botri di Ghiaccioforte a certified organic winery?
- Yes. The estate obtained organic certification in 1994, becoming the first certified organic wine producer in the Maremma Grosseto area, and the first to produce an organic Morellino di Scansano.
- When were the vineyards planted?
- The core vineyards were planted in 1969 on two hills facing the Etruscan site of Ghiaccio Forte in Scansano; the estate itself was purchased and developed by Giancarlo Lanza and Giulia Andreozzi starting in 1989.
- What grape varieties does I Botri di Ghiaccioforte grow?
- Only indigenous Tuscan varieties: Sangiovese (Morellino), Prugnolo Gentile, Alicante (Grenache) and Ciliegiolo for reds; Procanico, Ansonica, old-vine Malvasia, Vermentino and Bianconcello for whites, all propagated by mass selection.
- What is the estate's flagship wine?
- Their best-known wine is the Morellino di Scansano Riserva 'Vigna I Botri', aged and released as a Riserva that showcases the estate's old Sangiovese vines and Albegna valley terroir.
- Is I Botri di Ghiaccioforte the same as Poderi di Ghiaccioforte?
- No. Although both estates are located near the Etruscan site of Ghiaccio Forte in Scansano, I Botri di Ghiaccioforte is owned by Giancarlo Lanza and Giulia Andreozzi, while Poderi di Ghiaccioforte is a separate property owned by the Franciacorta producer Barone Pizzini.