FEBRUARY 2024
Dear Friends,
Saul Bellow’s 1992 essay Winter in Tuscany begins thus; “Winter in Tuscany? Well, why not. Millions of Italians do it.” Why not indeed? Just as the vines enjoy their riposo invernale, or winter rest - a period of dormancy - so do we. Think bowls of steaming ribollita, the most Tuscan of vegetable soups, and time to catch up with friends. The winter brings morning fogscapes superseded by clear skies and long views. Last week we could see the snow-capped Alpi Apuane on the horizon, a good four hours drive away. Evening after evening we enjoy spectacular fiery sunsets, our 360° panorama outlined by the inky silhouettes of cypress trees and umbrella pines.
Announcing a perfect pairing
Ultima Pietra has been selected by the esteemed Napa Valley producer, Bryant Estate, as the inaugural winery for their newly-established global import company, Bryant Imports. Our partnership with Bryant is based on shared values of environmental stewardship and community. The mission of Bryant Imports is to “discover and introduce some of the world’s exquisite wines whose quality matches our own.” Ultima Pietra wines are being offered to their exclusive client list as “a treasure trove of wines resonating with rare elegance and refined character.” We celebrate this milestone and are incredibly honored that our wines were chosen to launch such an ambitious and inspiring project.
When Vines Cry
Pruning is upon us, starting with the Cabernet Sauvignon and finishing with our Chardonnay, the first budding grape and so the last to be pruned. Our methodical and mindful work amongst the vines is vital. Each cut determines the output for years to come and, in order to ensure the most beautiful and healthy fruit, we need uniformity of method. We have absolute trust in the hands that hold the scissors; they wield huge influence over this harvest and beyond.
We are waiting for the vines to weep from the pruning wounds. As temperatures rise the sap-flow is a sign that the vines are awakening and that vintage 2024 has truly begun. These “tears” mean that we will soon see the delicate fuzzy nubs of new growth and are witnessing the vineyard’s return to life after the winter. For as long as the vines are dormant they are not at risk from cold snaps. Once the crying has started, we are once again vulnerable to the vagaries of climate. The ogre in this fairytale is frost. We can only hope that this year our vines will be spared the evils of a cold snap and that they will soon be crying happy tears.
Behind every great wine…
It can neither be said too often nor too loudly that the linchpins of all our successes are our team; Giovanni and Corinna, Marco and Peppino, without whom none of this would be possible. They wield the pruning scissors, amongst other things!
We are overflowing with excitement as we plan another #UPontheroad in November. If you would like to host a dinner, please contact info@ultimapietra.com for more details. There is nothing quite like tasting wines with the people behind the label.
We will be back in touch in April. We have some surprises waiting for you in the cellar, including two very special additions to our “family” of wines. To say availability is limited would be an understatement; we have only a barrique of each!
Until then, with gratitude and a watchful eye on the weather forecast,
Margot
