Storia
2008: the beekeeping project begins
Gretole became the starting point for a biodiversity project focused on pollinating insects. Two beehives were installed at the estate in 2008. Their number subsequently increased to between 10 and 15, varying with the season. Honey production in Tuscany is managed through a specialist third-party company. The bees also serve as an indirect indicator of ecosystem health and the effectiveness of habitat-protection measures.
2010–2011: precision viticulture
A broader shift towards precision viticulture began in 2010. In 2011, the Chianti Classico vineyards were mapped using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), producing vigour maps detailed down to individual portions of vine rows. When combined with Geographic Information System technology and machine-control systems, these maps made it possible to apply nutrients at variable rates according to the requirements of each vineyard area.
2014–2018: biodiversity certification
A formal biodiversity programme began in 2014. In 2018, the estates obtained Biodiversity Friend certification from the World Biodiversity Association. The certification approach evaluates vineyard ecosystems through indicators relating to soil organisms, aquatic environments and lichen communities, reflecting soil vitality, freshwater quality and air quality.
2019: organic conversion and variable-rate treatments
In FY 2019, an organic-conversion programme was defined for the Tuscan estates. Its principles included eliminating herbicides, using organic manure, protecting vines with copper, sulfur and products of natural origin, and controlling insects through alternatives such as mating disruption.
The same year brought participation in the Kattivo working group. Its experimental technology adapted conventional sprayers to vary the treatment dose according to canopy volume measured in real time by ultrasound. Trials reduced wasted plant-protection product by as much as 30%.
FY 2021: irrigation development
A three-year programme began in FY 2021 to construct or strengthen irrigation systems at several Tuscan estates, including Gretole. At the reporting stage, 4 ha at Gretole were irrigated, with expansion to 53 ha planned. The Gretole system was designed for precision irrigation, varying water delivery according to soil type and the vines’ actual water requirements.
FY 2022: renewable energy and harvest
A photovoltaic system was installed at the Gretole winery in FY 2022. The estate produced 768,730 kg of grapes during the FY 2022 reporting period.
Terroir
Gretole lies in the heart of Castellina in Chianti, within Tuscany’s Chianti Classico territory. Its vineyards occupy rolling hills, with some slopes characterized as steep, at elevations between 230 and 290 m above sea level.
The ground is arid, rocky and stony, with abundant marl and crumbly galestro. These conditions are particularly associated with Sangiovese at the estate. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also cultivated.
The climate is described as stable, with long, relatively dry summers that support consistent fruit ripening. Differences in soil characteristics and the position of vines on the hillsides create intra-vineyard variability; this is mapped and managed through site-specific viticulture.
Vinificazione
Organic management
Gretole’s vineyards are managed organically. The operating principles defined for organic production include no herbicides, the use of organic manure, and protection against the principal vine diseases using copper, sulfur and products of natural origin. Alternatives to conventional insecticides include biological control and mating disruption.
Site-specific vineyard management
Precision viticulture has been developed since 2010. From 2011, NDVI mapping and vineyard-vigour maps recorded variation within the Chianti Classico vineyards down to portions of individual rows. GIS data and machine-control technology guide variable-rate nutrient application, matching fertilization to the needs of each vineyard area. The objective is to balance vegetative growth and production, reduce unnecessary inputs, improve grape quality and extend vineyard longevity.
A network of meteorological and environmental sensors, combined with data-analysis software, supports disease-risk assessment and reduces the need for plant-protection treatments. The experimental Kattivo system uses ultrasound to read canopy volume and vary spray dosage in real time; trials reduced wasted product by up to 30%.
Harvest selection
Selective harvesting is automated with a mechanical harvester linked to vineyard quality maps. The system separates grapes into two quality categories and directs them into two different loading hoppers.
Water management
A precision-irrigation project was designed to deliver different quantities of water according to soil type and actual vine requirements. At the FY 2022 reporting stage, 4 ha at Gretole were irrigated, with expansion to 53 ha planned. Sensor-guided drip irrigation can reduce water use by approximately 50% compared with the normally used volume while meeting plant requirements.
Biodiversity
Two beehives were installed in 2008; the estate has since maintained between 10 and 15 hives, depending on the season. Honey is produced through a specialist third-party company. Bees are treated as an indirect measure of ecosystem health. Measures at Gretole also include support for swallows.
The estate is covered by Biodiversity Friend certification, awarded by the World Biodiversity Association in 2018. The assessment framework uses soil-organism, aquatic and lichen indices to evaluate soil biodiversity, freshwater environments and air quality.
A stone villa stands within the estate and houses production associated with Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Gretole functions as a principal source for Ruffino’s Chianti Classico production, with almost all of its vineyards associated with that Gran Selezione. A photovoltaic system was installed at the winery in FY 2022.
Filosofia
Gretole is positioned as a reference estate for Chianti Classico, with an emphasis on revealing the character of its hilly, galestro-rich terrain. Its approach combines respect for the land and its existing history with modern vineyard and production technology.
Environmental stewardship is centred on conserving local biodiversity, reducing chemical inputs, adapting vineyard work to site-level variation and using water according to measured need. Precision tools are intended to support—not replace—knowledge of individual soils and hillside positions. The resulting objective is a durable balance between vegetative growth, crop quality, resource efficiency and vineyard longevity.