Cantina Orsogna

Cantina Orsogna - Organic in Abruzzo

Cantina Orsogna is located in the municipality of the same name in Abruzzo, on the western side of Italy. Originated Cantina Orsogna as a "normal" winegrowers' cooperative, it was founded in 1964 by committed winegrowers from the area. Today the winery is the social center of the village. One has specialized in the ecological viticulture. This runs through all facets of viticulture at Cantina Orsogna.

Organic farming at Cantina Orsogna

For example, the pomace is used to produce fertilizer again. Sheep graze on the vineyards, which strengthen the ecological processes of the vineyard, so they provide natural fertilization and stimulate soil life. The Sulla plant, a type of sweet clover, which is actively planted by the winegrowers, serves as fodder for the sheep. Another side effect is the production of Sulla honey, known mainly from Basilicata, which is collected by the Ligustica bees that are native to the area.

To increase the yield of organic farming, Cantina Orsogna relies on collaboration with the universities of L'Aquila and Perugia to find innovative solutions and reduce the use of copper for plant protection.

Old grape varieties revived

Another point that has attracted greater interest in recent years is the revival of original, often forgotten grape varieties. These often have special characteristics that prove beneficial in the context of organic viticulture. One example is the Pietralucente vine, a red grape variety that is being re-cultivated in collaboration with the community of Gessopalena.

Other measures include the abandonment of sealing capsules, instead using nothing or (in the case of Ancestrale wines) a label cap held in place with woolen threads from the vineyard sheep. The labels are made of recycled paper, FSC-certified materials otherwise serve as the basis.

The brands of Cantina Orsogna

Cantina Orsogna markets its wines under a wide variety of brand names, so the origin is not always immediately obvious. Examples are:

• Lunaria
• Spiritus Terrae
• Luna Gaia
• Eva Patch
• Zeropuro

and some others.