Vineyards and sustainability
The Villa Giada vineyards benefit from the unique qualities of the land where they are located.
The “golden triangle” on the right side of the River Tanaro, halfway between Asti and Alba, is famous for its Barbera vineyards. This grape variety now falls under the “Nizza D.o.c.g.” appellation, which defines a restricted area particularly suited to its cultivation, with Agliano Terme at its epicentre. The area’s calcareous soil has a strong clay and salt component that gives the wines richness and flavour on the palate and complex fruity aromas. In addition to this, mild temperatures favour smoothness and low acidity. Our Dani Nizza DOCG vineyard, with its excellent southerly exposure, gives us the finest grapes, which are carefully vinified – only in the best years – to bring out the best of the particular characteristics of this grape variety.
The Moscato grape on the other hand, thrives on Ceirole hill, in the municipality of Canelli, where it benefits from sandy, calcareous soils with a high alkaline content. Thanks in part to the increased temperature range, this area produces a distinctly aromatic wine with good acidity that is appreciated all over the world.
Sustainability is a categorical imperative for us
It is a daily practice that accompanies every aspect of our work, from the grape to the bottle ready for distribution.
We only use natural products in the vineyard, with no synthetic pesticides, and we fight harmful insects by helping those that are considered “friendly”. This is why the soil is covered with grass and wildflowers that help the bees in their work. We use traditional techniques to keep the soil fertile, and use natural products, manure and green manure only where we detect specific deficiencies.
Human intervention always respects the natural rhythm and balance, paying constant attention to the highest quality yield, without compromise. Work in the vineyard and cellar is carried out manually as far as possible. This is particularly true of the grape harvest, to ensure careful selection of the best bunches and preserve the organoleptic characteristics of the grapes.
360° sustainable production chain
At Villa Giada we believe that caring for the environment has numerous facets. It cannot be limited to the natural management of the vineyards but must be extended to every aspect of production.
We use energy from renewable sources, particularly the electricity we generate with our photovoltaic system. We also pay particular attention to saving water and use motorised vehicles with cutting-edge particle filters.
Sustainability is a value that also guides us in the packaging and distribution of our wines: we use boxes and labels that are fully recyclable, made from recycled paper and dyed with biodegradable varnishes of natural origin. We use recyclable corks and caps and lightweight bottles with a low environmental impact, to reduce CO2 emissions during production and transport.
PLANT-BASED WATER TREATMENT
Our commitment to the environment is embodied in innovative solutions such as the new plant-based water treatment system, which exploits the purifying power of nature.
A basin containing aquatic plants, such as Phragmites australis, is capable of purifying up to 8,500 litres of water per day. The roots of the plants, immersed in a bed of gravel and crushed stone, work in harmony with natural bacteria to break down pollutants, guaranteeing purified water that is ready to be returned to the environment.
This system combines simplicity and effectiveness: it is silent, uses no energy and is perfectly integrated into the rural landscape. A tangible example of how water resources can be preserved with sustainable and innovative solutions.