AN ARISTOCRATIC PAST FOR A MODERN COMMITMENT

The wine producing farm "Isimbarda", situated in the heart of Oltrepo Pavese, owes its name to the age-old family of the Isimbardi Marquises, lombard patricians who were lords of the important feudal estate of Santa Giuletta at the end of XVII century. The Isimbardis were always very proud of this estate and their methods of vine-growing and wine-production were an important model for all wine-producers in Oltrepo: the modern "Isimbarda" keeps up this tradition. The Property stretches over an area of 36 hectares in the municipality of Santa Giuletta and Mornico Losana; vineyards altitude is from 200 to 350 metres above sea level.

The particular microclimate, the natural characteristics of the land, the excellent exposure of vineyards combine to create ideal conditions for the demands of the different types of vines grown. The Farm, which is sorrounded by the wonderful Oltrepo Hills, is equipped with all the most modern facilities: the wine cellar which houses state of the art technologies, special rooms for improving in wood, a cosy wine tasting-room, a confortable meeting-room.

RESPECT FOR TRADITION

The people who live in Oltrepo know that this area is one of the best wine reserves of Lombardy. Here vine growing is made according a tradition handed down from century to century. The "Isimbarda" farm doesn't forget this lesson and wants to connect it with the most advanced achievements of modern technology.

After studies on the composition of the soil and of the climate of this area, different zones have been fixed according to the specific characteristics of vines. Barbera, Croatina, Uva Rara, Moradella, autochthonous Oltrepo vines, Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in sunny zones at a law altitude. In wineyards of higher altitude and different exposure the Pinot Noir finds its ideal habitat.

Italic Riesling, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are grown in Near-Eastern slopes where the thermal ranges are more sensible. Man intervenes with planting formats with high densities of vinestock, with various manual operationsduring the green vegetation stage, not least the thinning out of clusters: these working techniques are applied to ensure a production ranging between 1,5 Kg and a maximum of 2,5 Kg. per vine. Grape harvesting is also carried out by hand after a careful desuckering: only the best part is destined to be turned into wine. Grape pickering is settled on the basis of maturity-curves' data.

BEYOND ORGANIC VINE GROWING. Since the beginning the Isimbarda vine growing, wine-producing farm has worked towards a constant improvement of the quality of its products, with particular concern for consumers health. It therefore supports provision Al of EEC regulation No. 2078 of 1992, which establishes rules for all agricultural activities aimed at controlling the impact of farming on the environment.

The most significant aspect of such activities is their twofold final objective:

- the guarantee of a product with no traces of harmful extraneous substances;
- soil management aimed at the preservation of its natural balance and conservation of the surrounding area. EEC regulation No. 2078 demands a drastic reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and the compulsory introduction of integrated pest and disease control:
- pests are combatted only when strictly necessary, by controlling the size of the existing population and possibly adopting techniques of sexual disorientation to reduce riproduction or by introducing the pests' natural enemies, such as, the bacillus thuningensis, which attacks the moth:
- the fungal diseases of the vine are only controlled by spraying a sulphur and copper solution, totally avoiding the use of products that can be absorbed by the plant.

In order to preserve the soil and the surrounding environment effectively, grass is grown and regularly cut among the vineyards. This tecnique allows:

- the prevention of soil erosion caused by rains on the cultivated land of our hills;
- a good management of rain water, by delaying and regulating its flow down the valley and therefore preventing landslides;
- the nourishment of the soil with precious organic matter to improve its structure.

Furthermore this cultivation technique controls the vitality of the vine, with a consequent decrease in the quantity but an increase in the quality of the production. As can be easily appreciated, even from this short presentation, these are difficult, costly and sometimes risky strategies. However, the Isimbarda Farm intends to carry them out fully in order to fulfil the expectations of those who believe in its honesty and commitment.