3* Sustainability Rating: Pioneer
Feudo Montoni di Fabio Sireci, a historic Sicilian estate established in 1469, is not just a vineyard but a testament to the legacy of sustainable viticulture. Owned by Fabio Sireci, the vineyard occupies 44 hectares of land, with 29% dedicated to vines and 15% to natural woodland. Producing 1950 hectolitres of wine annually, Feudo Montoni is a beacon of sustainability, boasting a near perfect score for their commitment to sustainable practices.
Fabio Sireci’s approach to viticulture is deeply rooted in tradition, favouring mass selection and the propagation of ancient vines from their own vineyards over quicker, nursery-bought plants. This slow, deliberate, and laborious process ensures a unique grape quality and preserves the vineyard's distinct identity.
Feudo Montoni's sustainability philosophy is holistic and encompasses both visible and invisible aspects. The vineyard's organic practices have been certified, and they are taking active steps to combat climate change, including implementing emergency irrigation and soil conservation methods to manage hot summers and scarce rainfall. The high elevation of Montoni's vineyards provides a natural climate advantage, aiding in the preservation of grape acidity during arid seasons.
Biodiversity is at the forefront of their environmental efforts, with organic wheat fields and olive groves surrounding the vineyards. The "vite maritata" method, an ancient cultivation technique, has been revived, planting fruit trees among the vines to create a symbiotic relationship that enriches the vineyard ecosystem. These practices have allowed Feudo Montoni to forego chemical pesticides entirely, relying instead on the vineyard's natural defenders like birds and insects.
In the cellar, the wines of Feudo Montoni are a product of minimal intervention, allowing the quality of the grapes and the character of the vintage to shine through. The estate uses wild or indigenous yeasts for fermentation and adds minimal sulphur dioxide, further cementing their commitment to natural winemaking.
The estate is powered by 100% renewable energy, including some on-site generation, and their buildings are highly energy efficient. Packaging sustainability is also a priority, with a 90% rating for their primary and secondary packaging materials.
Feudo Montoni is deeply integrated with the local community, actively engaging in local projects and adhering to strict ethical sourcing and supplier selection criteria. The estate provides fair pay and comprehensive benefits to both permanent and temporary staff, with strong female representation in leadership roles.
With a clear vision for the future, Feudo Montoni aspires to enhance biodiversity and create new life on their land. The vineyard stands as a 3* pioneer in sustainability, with comprehensive objectives and continuous reporting against targets. Feudo Montoni's exceptional commitment to sustainability, community, and preserving the integrity of Sicilian winemaking heritage firmly establishes it as one of the highest achievers in sustainable viticulture.
