Vineyards cultivation

The cultivation of the vineyards of the Cantina Storica del Cardinale takes place in total respect for nature, plants, land, growth times and grape ripening, a work that follows the ancient traditions of viticulture in Puglia and continues its vocation and excellence in the production of quality wine.

The management of the vineyards is carried out by personnel with great experience who follow the natural development of the plants in all phases, from pruning to the harvest and preparation of the vineyard for the new season.
The works on the vineyard are carried out by hand and again with the help of animals such as horses for ploughing, a phase in which excessive grass growth must be avoided in spring so as not to steal water and soil nutrients from the vines.

Cantina Storica del Cardinale is a certified company that grows grapes organically and produces wine organically, so that no fertilizers, herbicides or industrial chemical components are used in the company vineyards.

Plowing the vineyard with the horse

Cantina Storica del Cardinale uses the horse and a particular single foot plow which allows for the utmost care in removing excess grass, safeguarding the roots of the vines and also avoiding the development of particular diseases due to mechanisation. The traction of the suitably guided horse makes it possible to obtain aerated land ready for the growth and development of the vines. The horse allows for a unique and profound relationship between man, the land and the cultivated fruits.

Hand milling along the rows

La fresatura del terreno lungo i filari dove quella con il cavallo non può arrivare viene effettuata a mano con la zappa avendo così la massima cura di non intaccare le viti, togliendo l’erba in eccesso all’inizio della primavera in modo che vi sia equilibrio nel manto erboso del vigneto durante la crescita delle piante e la maturazione dell’uva.

Development of the vines and the ripening of the Primitivo grapes

The organic management of the vineyard with particular attention to all phases of seasonal intervention creates the ideal conditions for a harmonious development in balance with the natural environment of the Primitivo vines. Thanks to this type of cultivation, the plants develop vigorously from the first shoots that emerge in the first ten days of April, naturally arriving in the best conditions at the final stage of grape ripening, which is followed by the harvest and the production of Primitivo wine.