Introduction to Berioli
Berioli's Winery has been open in Montesperello since the beginning of 1900 and is located on the green hills around the Trasimeno Lake, on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. This territory has been universally appreciated for its historical, cultural, artistic heritage as well as for its splendid landscapes which are so rich in greenery that Umbria is nicknamed "The Green Heart of Italy". It is a land where olive trees and vineyards rule. Here oenology dates back to the Roman-Etruscan times, more then 3000 years ago.
The Winery: Philosophy, Science and Passion
At Berioli there have been many innovations introduced in the vineyards, while maintaining key traditions. With new acquisitions, Berioli currently cultivates 12 hectares of organic vineyard. Roberto Berioli - the owner and vigneron of the Cellar - is a biological winemaker who insists: "we cannot use any chemical pesticides, but just natural products to take care of our vines." Red wines have been produced using Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. For the white wines: Grechetto, Chardonnay and Trebbiano Toscano.
Among the white-berry grapes Grechetto (which is the most ancient native vine), certainly plays a pivotal role. Its name is due to the fact that the lands ancestors believed that it had Greek origins because it reminded them of the typical sweet flavour of Greek wine, but the real reason for its agreeable taste is to be found in its very thick skin, which makes this grapes capable of giving sweet dessert wine. All grapes at Berioli are picked by hand and carefully selected so only very best make it into their cellars to be made into wine.
Berioli wines are born from a privileged relationship with the vineyard. A creative process built day after day with perseverance and passion, from the vineyard to the cellar, from the vine to the bottle. The winery is located in restored antique rooms, where the wine rests in French oak Barriques and Tonneaux. The care and passion that binds the Berioli family to their land has led the company to undertake and complete the process of converting its vineyards to the method of organic cultivation. An ethical choice dictated by the desire to feel part of a system where human intervention is limited and the process follows the biological rhythms of nature. The grape harvest is carried out strictly by hand and the grapes are crushed a few hours after harvesting.
Today Roberto Berioli with his wife Cristina and with their children Matteo and Assunta, with their respective families, have taken up this story to continue it, respecting their homeland.
Visiting Umbria?
If you find yourself in the Umbria area, stopping by at Berioli is a must and we are sure that our friend Roberto and his staff will look after you in the best possible way! The vineyard offers two types of tasting tours which can be booked on their website or we would be happy to arrange this for you. We are also more than happy to offer further suggestions if you are planning a trip to Italy so let us know!
