It’s a tough job, but someone had to visit this very special vineyard in the Tuscan hills, just above the lovely town of Suvereto, looking out to sea, not far from the Island of Elba.  I Mandorli sits alongside the village of Belvedere and we were lucky enough to be staying with friends a short walk away.

I can’t imagine many small wine makers would reply when asked, “Yes, do just drop in after dinner and we’ll give you a tour”.  But that was the warm welcome we received from Madelena who was busy bottling her delicious wines.

A little of their history…

The vines were first planted in 2004/5 with the aim of producing a wine that respects nature, the soil and the land.  They use a biodynamic method that feeds the soil, already rich in minerals.  

The cabernet vines face the coast towards Elba and they are appropriately named Vigna al Mare (Vine at Sea).  The Sangiovese vines face the Metallifere Hills which are covered with Mediterranean vegetation and lots of cork trees – hence the name Vigna alla sughere (Vine at Cork).

The vines are influenced by many elements – sea, minerals, soil, but perhaps most of all, glorious Tuscan sun.

We’re delighted to say I Mandorli wines will be arriving into the Deli from early next week. 

While we were in the area, we took the opportunity to visit the very glamorous Petra vineyard.  On arrival, the spectacular building offered shades of Bond villain lair…  It was fascinating to discover that this stunning building speaks to a history of extraordinary architecture to be found in the world’s vineyards – unfortunately it’s not available in the UK, but Cantine: Architecture 1990-2005 by Marco Casamonti & Vincenzo Pavan features Petra and is well worth a look.