IN UMBRIA, ON THE HILLS OF TRASIMENO
Poggio Bertaio is located in Umbria, halfway between Florence and Rome, in the heart of Italy. At the center of Umbria lies Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy. The lake is surrounded by wide plains that transform into beautiful hills and mountains.
The vineyards of Poggio Bertaio are situated on the hills above Castiglione del Lago, the medieval fortress town on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno. It was from these hills that Hannibal launched his ambush on the Roman legions.
The Magpies’ hill…
Poggio Bertaio (etymologically: “place frequented by magpies”) has been owned by the Ciufoli family since 1972 when Fabio, the father of the current owners, moved from the Castelli Romani to Castiglione del Lago and purchased the first nucleus, planting a few hectares of vineyard to continue his passion for wine, initially produced in small quantities to share mainly with family and friends.
Wine: our ideal
Meanwhile, the two sons grew up, and while Ugo increasingly dedicated himself to running the family business, Fabrizio pursued a career as a winemaker, collaborating with important companies. A crescendo of successes led the two brothers to experiment with various techniques and verify some ideas with the aim of obtaining the “ideal wine,” whose characteristics gradually took shape with growing experience.
The new cellar
Finally, with the 1998 harvest, the new winery was ready, and from the vinification of the grapes from the old vineyards, the brothers decided to produce “Cimbolo,” a 100% Sangiovese, released for the first time in autumn 2000. Also in 2000, the new vineyards came into production, and it was the turn of “Crovèllo,” a blend of Cabernet and Merlot released at the end of 2002. Over the years, with the entry of Ugo and Fabrizio’s children into the company, production expanded to include a selection that today counts ten labels.
The Vineyard
The estate’s vineyard is located at an altitude of 320 meters (1049 feet) above sea level. It extends over approximately 20 hectares, with a southern exposure. The cultivated grape varieties are mainly Sangiovese and Grechetto, but also Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, and Chardonnay.
