Vineyards

These are new vines planted above us by the Antinori group. Interesting to see new areas come under the vine.

The process of preparing the ground is fairly arduous. First clearing the bush, then deep ploughing along the vine line. Then in with digger and tracked dumper to clear the stone brought up - even while the vines are planted and already growing. Then a topper goes over the top cutting all the abund news weeds down and then a mini tractor and harrow comes through the lanes to rough up the soil.

The division of labour also interesting. African and Latino and Filipino field hands do the back-breaking pruning. Local guys runs the machines.

There is a big Frescobaldi winery down in Sieci - our neighbour says you can get there store wine for €2 a litre and then the prices can go up to €100s for the prize bottles if Chiatni Colline Fiortentini.

The wine from the local co-op in 5L boxes is pretty good.

It is incredible how quickly the vines are growing. From nothing they are now a foot in new tender green stuff. A delicate time of year for late cold snaps. Cold weather moving in later this week.