Olianas and The BioIntegrale Method
Tenuta Olianas
You will find Tenuta Olianas in the rolling hills of Sardinia, Italy, where it’s picturesque vineyards are basked in warm sunlight amongst the pristine nature that surrounds it. The radiant vines are seamlessly embedded in to the fabric of the landscape, and it’s here that the fruit reveals the secrets of the land and its’ culture through the wine.
What is the BioIntegrale Method?
An important part of Olianas’ BioIntegrale method: A traditional plough pulled by a Comtois horse.
The BioIntegrale method is one that goes beyond organic and biodynamic vineyards. While it certainly overlaps these traditions, Olianas uses the BioIntergrale method to go deeper in to ethical agricultural, viticultural, and winemaking philosophies, ultimately tying everything back to nature.
“Biointegrale is more than just a working method. It is a frame of mind, a philosophy of life.”
4 Key Ways the BioIntegrale Method is the Heartbeat of Olianas
Native Vines:
The winery’s desire to craft pure wines that reflect the land and culture of the Sardinian people began with planting vines native to Sardinia. This was the catalyst for integrating the Biointegrale method. Using native vines was a way to elevate sustainability practices and the history of the region. Olianas has 75% of their white grape vineyards planted with Sardinia’s traditional Vermentino, and 66% of their red grape vineyards planted with long-established red varietals, primarily Cannonau.
Vineyard Health:
With a ‘treat the soil, not the vines’ approach by Olianas the goal is to create truly healthy grapes that showcase the terroir, which means vineyard health is of the utmost importance for the winery. Tractors and mechanical vehicles are forbidden within the vineyard, and instead, the winery employs the help of their two Comtois horses: Vegas and Biscotto. A traditional ploughing technique, plus avoiding the use of herbicides and chemicals within the vineyard and commercial yeasts in the winery, allows the hand-harvested grapes of Olianas to remain untainted through the entire viticulture to winemaking process.
Biodiversity:
Beyond the vines, every aspect of life within the vineyard is supported to bring a natural balance to the Olianas ecosystem. At the winery, you’ll find domestic plants, herbs, and ancient fruit trees surrounding amongst the vineyards to attract welcomed pollinators. Successful biodiversity also relies on geese and sheep within the vineyard which inherently combines canopy management, fertilizer and soil compaction, reducing human interaction with the vines.
Amphora:
The BioIntegrale method goes beyond the grapes being grown on the estate. Certain techniques align with the winery’s winemaking philosophy and one of those is the usage of amphorae. These terracotta vessels that hold the wine “bring out the soul of the vine, and the soil that welcomes it.” Only native yeasts are used in the winery where their hands-off approach remains, continuing a full respect for the grapes and the nature in which they were provided.
“Cannonau is a reason for living for the Sardinians”
This organic wine of the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC consists of 90% Cannonau from the estate Sedda Sa Figu vineyard and 10% Tintillu from the Anfiteatro vineyard. Stainless steel fermentation with partial amphora before an 8 month aging process with 80% in tank and 20% in second to third use barriques. Powerful ripe strawberry and baking spice aromas are an honest introduction for this lively and complex grenache. Tobacco and coffee notes add layers on a medium to full-bodied palate, animated with a vivid freshness over a savoury, rustic essence and fine-grained tannins. Nicely balanced.
Learn more about Olianas on their website: Olianas Gergei The Fine Wines of Sardinia | Olianas Estate and on Instagram: @tenutaolianas