Viticulture
Organic Vineyard Management
Caring for the land means caring for the future. That’s why, at Il Borro, we cultivate our vineyards in harmony with nature, applying agronomic knowledge and practices that respect the soil, the vines, and the environment. We do not use chemical agents, opting instead for manual work, organic protection methods, and preventive care, always guided by the rhythms of the land and the needs of the vineyard.
Organic Practices
No Herbicides policy
In line with our agricultural philosophy, we have excluded chemical herbicides for over 15 years. Weed control is carried out exclusively through mechanical methods or physical means, such as ploughs and rotary hoes for working under the vine rows, along with specific equipment that operates selectively and non-invasively. A conscious choice that protects soil fertility, preserves biodiversity, and maintains the balance of the vineyard ecosystem.
Natural Fertilization
Fertilization is carried out exclusively using substances of organic origin. Among these, a key role is played by manure from the estate’s Chianina cattle, used to naturally nourish the soil. In line with a circular farming approach, by-products from the winemaking process, such as grape pomace and pruning residues, are also reused. Shredded and left on the ground, they help improve soil structure and fertility, giving back to the land what belongs to it.
Green manure practice
We have always practiced green manure in our vineyards, a natural fertilization technique that involves sowing different cover crops between the vine rows, such as legumes, grasses, and cruciferous plants. These are later incorporated into the soil to enrich it with organic matter, improving its structure and moisture retention. This technique also plays a key role in supporting biodiversity, as it encourages the presence of beneficial insects and brings essential micronutrients to the surface, contributing to the overall health of the vines.
Water Resource Management
Given the central role that water plays in both agricultural activities and hospitality services, Il Borro has developed a series of strategies over time to reduce consumption and safeguard an increasingly scarce resource. The measures adopted include the construction of rainwater collection basins and the widespread use of drip irrigation systems, which allow for efficient and targeted use of water to reduce waste to a minimum.
Natural vine protection
Among the most delicate and impactful phases of the winemaking process, plant protection treatments at Il Borro are carried out using natural methods that safeguard the vines without disrupting the ecosystem’s balance.
One such method is sexual confusion, a technique based on natural pheromones that interferes with the reproduction of the vine moth, significantly reducing the need for chemical interventions. It’s an effective, discreet, and sustainable strategy that reflects our daily commitment to a respectful, responsible, and regenerative approach to viticulture.
USE OF WEATHER STATIONS
IN THE VINEYARD
To monitor the vineyard’s conditions in real time, weather stations have been installed that collect data on various climatic parameters, enabling more effective resource management and optimizing agricultural practices.
Conscious Material Selection
Every material used in the vineyard is carefully selected, prioritizing eco-friendly, recyclable solutions with a very low environmental impact. From mainly wooden stakes, to the iron wires between the rows, to the biodegradable ties used for pruning, every intervention reflects our commitment to minimizing environmental impact and working in harmony with the landscape.
Biodiversity Protection
To safeguard biodiversity, agricultural estates with an area larger than 15 hectares are required to maintain at least 5% of their land as natural uncultivated zones. Il Borro, with its 1,100 hectares, goes well beyond this requirement: only 8% of the area is dedicated to vineyards, 9% to other agricultural activities such as arable crops and olive groves, while 73% consists of forests and protected natural areas. Thanks to this sustainable vision, Il Borro received the BEE Good Award 2023, an international recognition for excellence in environmental sustainability.
Effective Material Management
The entire wine supply chain at Il Borro is guided by sustainable choices, starting with responsible material management. In the cellar, heavier bottles have been replaced with lighter versions to reduce glass consumption and emissions related to transportation. Similarly, the use of wooden packaging has been gradually reduced in favor of more sustainable cardboard alternatives. The paper used for labels, boxes, and communication materials is mostly eco-friendly and FSC certified. Additionally, valuable projects have been launched, such as the collection and recycling of used corks from our restaurants and wine shops, giving them a new life and reducing waste.
Viva for Sustainability
Il Borro has obtained the voluntary VIVA certification, an internationally recognized standard promoted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security for the sustainability of the Italian wine supply chain. The certification assesses environmental performance in air, water, land, and vineyard through technical inspections and audits by an independent third-party body. This recognition represents an important milestone for Il Borro and a commitment to continuously improve its sustainable practices.
