Our Winery

Meet our Team (from left):

Francesco de Filippis (Biodynamic Consultant)
Fabrizio Fimiani (our Winemaker)
Neena & Mike Rees (Owners)
Sabina Sartur (Marketing & Client Relations Manager)
Maël Lucente (Our Amministratore)
Simona Bizzari (Social Media Consultant)
Cristiano Cini (Our Consultant Sommelier)

Torre Bisenzio’s wine making philosophy is simple: tradition, authenticity, quality and innovation.

Our Winery, rebuilt inside a traditional farmhouse, is the embodiment of that ethos. From the traditional use of amphora and steel tanks, to the many sustainability features, to the proper ageing of wines in french oak barrels, our wines have a style, identity and nuance that reflects the history of the terroir.

All our wines are produced with biodynamic certified, hand picked grapes from our own vineyards and we use latest technology to help us make processing decisions best suited to our grapes and vintage.

 

Yeasts Selected yeasts
Alcoholic Fermentation Red: 7- 10 days, 25 – 28° C
White: 15 – 20 days, 15° C
Spumante: 15 – 20 days, 15° C
Maceration Period Red: 15 – 20 days
Ambris: one third of the mass on the lees in amphora for 6 months
Spumante: approx. 30 minutes
Clarification/Filtration Bentonite (clay) for white only
Elevage Bianco di Bisenzio: Stainless steel 6 month and 2 months bottle
Ambris: part amphora, part stainless steel and part barrique
Red: 1 year stainless steel, 1 year aged barrels, 1 year bottle
Spumante: stainless steel for approx. 10 months. Second fermentation on the lees in bottle for approx. 25 months. No dosage. Further ageing in bottle for 2 months before release.
Sulphur White: 60 – 90 mg/l Red: 35 – 60 mg/l
Alcoholic % Bianco di Bisenzio 2020 – Grechetto Umbria IGT 13.5%
Ambris 2020 – Sauvignon Blanc Umbria IGT 13.5%
Il Pugnalone 2017 – Umbria Rosso IGT 13.5%
Sangiovese 2015 – Umbria IGT 14%
Closure and bottle Bianco di Bisenzio 2020, Il Pugnalone 2017, Sangiovese 2015 – 750ml Bordeaux Bottle
Ambris 2020 – Burgundy Bottle
Sangiovese: Natural cork
All other wines: Neutrocork (micro cork granule composition)

Vineyard

Soil

Picture 3

All vineyards on the Estate share the same type of soil and climatic conditions. The soil is ocean floor, comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils (sea shells and oysters).

Four million years ago during the mid-Pliocene age, this part of the Middle valley of the Tiber was covered by the Tyrrhenian sea which lapped the sides of the Apennine chain. The gradual retreat of the sea was due to tectonic movements, causing a general lifting of the area. Recently Archeologists from the University of Perugia discovered the fossilised remains of Sperm whales on the boundaries of property, which is now on display at the Allerona Museum.

In addition, the paleontologists identified structures as 1.75million year old fossilised ambergris. Ambergris, also known as ‘floating gold’, has been a popular perfume ingredient since ancient times. A solid, waxy and flammable substance, it is associated with sperm whales and the best quality are highly sought after. The discovery of these ambergris masses at the site contributed further knowledge to the sperm whale activity during this period and was a first fossil documentation anywhere in the world according to the article published in 2013 by Sci News.

The gravel and the sands allow for excellent drainage, whilst encouraging the roots to go deeper for nourishment from the limestone formed from the marine fossils, rocks debris and sea water. The clay, which is produced from degraded limestone, acts as a sponge, retaining water, and adding calcium.

Climate

Romantic weekend in Umbria

In general, the climate of Umbria is similar to that of Tuscany – cold, rainy winters and dry summers with abundant sunshine.

There is an exception in the area between Lake Trasimeno and Lake Bolsena, where a mild, sub-Mediterranean microclimate dominates. The lakes moderate the climate both in cold and warm conditions because even shallow water has an effect of storing and releasing heat (thermal inertia), resulting in long summers and moderate winters.

Torre Bisenzio vineyards are located mid-way between these two lakes, resulting in similar climatic conditions to Bordeaux.

However all of these factors, temperature, sunlight and rain vary from year to year, which results in a diverse array of characteristics, which due to the organic production cannot be normalised in the winery.

The average temperature throughout the year is 18°C. The summer months, July, August and September are much higher, with an average temperature of 28°C. During the peak summer months of the growing season, temperatures can often spike to 35°C with clear skies 70% of the time. During the growing season, which takes place from April to late September, the vineyards receive about 1,400 hours of sunlight and the diurnal temperature variation can be up to 14°C. The cool evenings (the diurnal shift) are also a help. During the night and early morning hours, it is common for temperatures to average 10°C. The chill in the night air adds the much needed acidity to the grapes.

Moisture is equally important. In an average year, there is close to 850mm of rain per year.

Wind is a moderate factor in the climate, as most of the time, wind speeds are modest, ranging from 5 mph to 9 mph, but can peak at 12 mph with the south-westerly winds. Whilst this gives good ventilation for the vines, it can also bring with it hail storms which can damage the vines.

Details

 

Old Vineyard
Torre Vineyard
Casa Alta Vineyard
Altitude 493-517 m 550-580m 460-502m
Exposure South East South East
Grape Varieties Sangiovese
Merlot
Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grechetto
Sauvignon Blanc
Sangiovese
Petit Verdot
Cabernet Franc
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Sangiovese
Canaiolo
Grechetto
Root stock 420A Sangiovese (110R)
Petit Verdot (SO4)
Cabernet Franc (SO4)
Pinot Noir (SO4)
Sauvignon Blanc (K5BB)
Paulsen 1103
Vines per hectare 5,200 4,444 Sangiovese
Canaiolo 4,000
Grechetto 5,000
Vine training Spurred Cordon Spurred Cordon: Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc
Guyot: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon blanc, Petit Verdot
Spurred Cordon: Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Guyot: Grechetto
Row arrangement North, South East, West Steeper part West – East
Flatter part North West – South East
Planting distance 2.4m x 0.8m 2.5m x 0.9m Sangionvese, Canaiolo – 2.5m x 1m
Grechetto – 2.5m x 0.8m
Agricultural technique Certified organic by ICEA Certified organic by ICEA Certified organic by ICEA
Irrigation No No No
Harvesting technique Hand harvested Hand harvested Hand harvested
Yield per hectare 50hl/ha (6,500 bottles) for white grapes
35 hl/ha (4,500) for red grapes
35 ha/hl (4,500 bottles) 35 ha/hl (4,500 bottles)

Wine Shop

GRECHETTO

Though widely believed to have originally come from Greece, Grechetto has been growing now for so long in these parts its natural habitat is indeed Umbria.

Varieties
Grechetto

Alcohol
13.5%

Vinification
Hand harvested. Destemmed, pressed temperature-controlled fermentation at 15°C for between 15-20 days. Matured in stainless steel for 5-6 months with a further 2 months in bottle before release.

Taste and flavour profile
A thick-skinned grape, Grechetto has a rich flavour profile with citrus, melon and even seashell like aromas.

South facing organic certified vineyards located 490 – 530 metres a.s.l. The soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.5200 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Cordon spur training method.

AMBRIS

Ambris is our floating gold reflecting the story of our land, the people it represents and the method in which It has been made. Produced in limited quantities.

Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Alcohol
13.5%

Vinification
Hand harvested. Destemmed, pressed temperature-controlled fermentation at 15°C for between 15-20 days. Part vinified and matured in amphora(6 months on skins), part stainless steel and part barrique. Matured in bottle for 4 months before release.

Taste and flavour profile
This complex wine has a depth of flavour that ranges from honey to mint, citrus to hazelnut. Ageing in different vessels gives texture and concentration combined with freshness and elegance.

South facing organic certified vineyards located 490 – 530 metres a.s.l. and east a 550m a.s.l. The Soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.5000 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Guyot Training method.

LWC_BronzeMedal_2022

Brut Nature Spumante

Finding its perfect home in the elevated vineyards of Torre Bisenzio, this sparkling expression of Pinot Nero is elegant and fresh, signature traits of our estate.  Just 750 bottles produced.

Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Nero

Alcohol
12%

Vinification
Hand harvested. Destemmed, pressed temp. – controlled – fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation in the bottle with approx. 24 months on the lees. Disgorged May 2021. Zero dosage.

Taste and flavour profile
This wine expresses the peculiarities of our terroir – minerality and freshness, with the savoury and yeasty notes associated with extended time on the lees.

East facing organic certified vineyards located 550- 580 metres a.s.l. The soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.4400 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Guyot Training method.

IL PUGNALONE

The name of this wine captures the essence of historical pagan rituals offering the fruits and crops of the land. It shares that sense of deep connection to the territory and people.

Grape Varieties
Sangiovese 70% / Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah 30%

Alcohol
13.5%

Vinification
Hand harvested. Destemmed, pressed, temperature-controlled fermentation. Sangiovese is aged in second or third use oak barrels for 1 year before being blended with the other varieties to allow a further year ageing in bottle.

Taste and flavour profile
Ruby red colour with floral aromas of violet alongside dark fruits such as blackberry and cherry. The wine is very approachable on the palate with a hint of spicy white pepper, firm tannins that are well integrated and a soft round finish.

South facing organic certified vineyards located 490 – 530 metres a.s.l. The soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.5200 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Cordon spur Training method.

LWC_SilverMedal_2023

SANGIOVESE

Internationally renowned, with Umbrian individuality, Sangiovese expresses the elegance of our wines in its most local interpretation.

Grape Varieties
Sangiovese 100%

Alcohol
14%

Vinification
Hand harvested. Destemmed, pressed, temperature-controlled fermentation. Sangiovese is matured in second or third use oak barrels for 1 year followed by a further year ageing in bottle.

Taste and flavour profile
Wonderful red wine with garnet shades, rich aromas on the nose of prune, violet and cinnamon are complemented by the dry, earthy and well-structured palate.

South facing organic certified vineyards located 490 – 530 metres a.s.l. The soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.5200 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Cordon spur Training method

LWC_GoldMedal_2024

SARNERO

This wine is an expression of our focus on sustainable farming, together with the pine cone symbolising regeneration and eternal life.  Its name, Sarnero, represents our children who are the very embodiment of that future.

Grape Varieties
Pinot Nero 100%

Alcohol
14.5%

Vinification
Hand harvested and picked from a carefully selected plot in one of our highest vineyards. Destemmed, pressed, temperature-controlled fermentation.  Aged in oak barrels for 18 months and then a further year in bottle.

Taste and flavour profile
On the nose, vanilla, cinnamon, blue raspberry, fresh plum, balsamic notes. It has good acidity balanced by well-integrated tannins.

East-West facing organic certified vineyards located over 500 metres a.s.l. The soil is ocean floor from the mid Pliocene period (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago), comprising of sedimentary clay, gravel sands and alluvial silt with marine fossils. Planting density c.5200 plants/ha. Yield : 35hl/ha. Guyot Training method.

LWC_SilverMedal_2024

FAMILY RESERVE

The Torre Bisenzio Family Reserve brings together the personalities of three international red varieties.Produced from Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah, this wine is the family’s signature blend showcasing these exceptional grapes grown in our vineyards, harvested with attention and aged with care.Limited production

Grape Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot

Alcohol
13,5%

Vinification
Hand harvested and separate vinification for each grape variety. First aging in barriques for 18 months, then assembly and further aging in steel for 18 months.

Taste and flavour profile
A well structured wine with unique characteristics and intense aromas of red fruits, made to age for a long time, just as a great ‘Family Reserve’ wine deserves.

 

Scroll to Top