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Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, Fattoria di Montemaggio stands as a testament to the region's timeless allure. This exceptional estate not only offers a visit but an immersive experience that seamlessly weaves together the threads of history, fine wines, and the unparalleled beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Guided Tours: Unraveling Centuries of History Step back in time with Fattoria di Montemaggio's guided historical tours, offering a captivating journey through centuries of history. Explore the estate's medieval cellars, meticulously preserved structures, and hidden corners that whisper tales of a bygone era. Our knowledgeable guides breathe life into the historical… read more

Exploring the Magic of Malolactic Fermentation in Winemaking Introduction: At Montemaggio, we understand that the art of winemaking goes far beyond the cultivation of grapes. One of the fascinating processes that contribute to the complexity and character of our wines is malolactic fermentation. This transformative stage in winemaking plays a crucial role in shaping the flavors and textures that wine enthusiasts savor in every bottle. What is Malolactic Fermentation? Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a secondary fermentation process that often follows the primary fermentation of grape juice into wine. Unlike the primary fermentation, which is driven by yeast converting sugars into… read more

**Introduction. The world of wine is a vast and fascinating universe, full of varieties and secrets waiting to be discovered. Among the many oenological gems, Pugnitello stands out as an intriguing and mysterious variety, ready to capture the attention of the most passionate wine lovers. In this long journey into the heart of the vineyards, we will explore the origins, characteristics and sensory experiences that make Pugnitello a unique and compelling option for wine lovers. **Chapter 1: The Roots of Pugnitello** To fully understand Pugnitello, it is essential to dive into its historical roots. This grape variety has a compelling… read more

Thanksgiving is an important national holiday in the US and it is believed that it dates to the Mayflower and the first colonists that came over from England. The first Thanksgiving Day celebration was in November 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and the Native American Wampanoag people organized a harvest feast together. In the following centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in various colonies but it was only in 1863, after a decade-long push from the magazine editor and author Sarah Josepha Hale, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November… read more

### **Introduction: Unveiling the Timeless Allure of Malvasia Nera** Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, Fattoria di Montemaggio is a haven where the vines whisper tales of centuries past. Among the myriad grape varieties that call this region home, Malvasia Nera stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian winemaking. In this exploration, we delve into the rich history, meticulous winemaking techniques, and the distinctive character of Fattoria di Montemaggio's Emme di Montemaggio 2018 vintage. ### **A Stroll through History: Malvasia Nera's Ancient Roots** Dating back to ancient Greece and embraced by the Etruscans, Malvasia Nera embodies… read more

It is that time of year again when people dress up in scary costumes to spook each other at parties or while going trick-and-treating with the kids. It is Halloween. But how did Halloween start? What does Halloween mean? Who invented the trick-and-treating? Let us take a closer look at the history of Halloween. The History of Halloween If we start with the name Halloween, the word Hallow comes from the Middle and Old English word for holy. Apparently, All Saints’ Day was called All Hallows’ Day in ancient times while the day before was All Hallows’ Eve. With time,… read more

The weather conditions in Italy, as well as worldwide, have been quite challenging in 2023. There have been instances of rain, floods, hailstorms, heatwaves, wildfires, and more. All of these have had adverse effects on this year's vegetative cycle, leading to various diseases and a loss of production. This year's harvest has been a sad one for some, while quite acceptable for others. It's worth noting that there are differences between the northern and southern parts of Italy in terms of the harvest. According to the Observatory of Assoenologi, Ismea, and Unione Italiana Vini, the overall loss of quantity compared… read more

Ferragosto, the equivalent of midsummer in Italy, is just around the corner. On the 15th of August, everything stops in Italy as they celebrate the major summer holiday that coincides with the Catholic celebration of the Assumption of Mary. However, what’s the story behind Ferragosto? How did it start? Let’s find out… The Origin of Ferragosto Ferragosto comes from the Latin word Feriae Augusti which means the "resting day" of Augustus. It was a holiday in the Roman era instituted by Augustus, known as the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14, that was connected… read more

The wine world entered the phase of digital transformation more fully during the pandemic, and it has also started to dip its toes into the metaverse, NFTs, cryptocurrencies, ad much more. Many considered wine one of the last sectors that had not fully embraced digitalization, but during the last few years, things have started to change. A lot in the world has indeed changed with the pandemic, including the way we connect, conduct work, transport goods, our attitude to sustainability, and more. The younger generation, Gen Z, has a different world view and these kids have grown up as a… read more

Introduction: In the heart of Tuscany's celebrated Chianti Classico region lies a hidden gem that wine enthusiasts must not overlook: Malvasia Nera. While Chianti Classico is primarily known for its renowned Sangiovese wines, the cultivation of Malvasia Nera adds a distinctive touch to the region's viticultural landscape. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of Malvasia Nera, its characteristics, and why it deserves your attention. A Brief History: Malvasia Nera, a red grape variety, has a long and illustrious history in Italy. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, where it was first introduced by the… read more