The Hills of Candia
The Candia hills are much more than just a natural setting: they are the custodians of a thousand-year history, a land steeped in charm and beauty. Legend has it that an ancient temple dedicated to Hercules, a symbol of strength and determination, once stood on these slopes. This iconography seems to still be reflected today in the work of the winemakers who, with dedication and endurance, cultivate their vineyards in an environment as extraordinary as it is rugged.
These hills rise between the coast and the Apuan Alps, in a perfect balance between sea and mountain. They are not particularly high, but their steep and irregular shape makes them unique. The sea breeze, laden with mineral salts, rises from the waves and envelops the rows, before falling back on the vines, nourishing them with the richness of the sea. The varied orientation of the vineyards, with exposures ranging from east to west, creates different microclimatic conditions, a mosaic of influences that contributes to the aromatic complexity of the wine.
Heroic Viticulture: The Courage to Tame Nature
In the world of wine, there's a term that embodies hard work, dedication, and respect for the land: heroic viticulture. This definition refers to growing vines in extreme conditions, where the terrain's morphology requires entirely manual labor. In the Candia hills, each vine is planted on slopes so steep that the use of machinery is impossible. Here, the harvest is still carried out using only the hands and physical endurance, between rows that climb the steep natural terraces.
Each bunch of grapes is the fruit of patient labor, of backs bent under the sun, and of tireless legs that defy the slope. It is an ancient art, a daily challenge against nature's adversities, but also a testament to the unbreakable bond between man and his land. This type of viticulture, which exalts the purity of gesture and rural wisdom, is not only a production choice, but an act of love for the land.
A wine born of the earth and tenacity
The characteristics of the Candia hills and the cultivation method are reflected in every glass of wine produced. The combination of the marine influence and the protection of the Apuan Alps gives the wines a pronounced minerality, vibrant freshness, and a complex aromatic bouquet. The soil, rich in organic substances and unique elements, lends structure and depth to the wines, while the vineyards' different exposures allow for varied sensory nuances.
The real challenge is identifying the perfect time for harvest, to achieve the ideal balance between acidity and fruit ripeness. It is a process that requires experience, intuition, and respect for the rhythms of nature. And it is precisely this combination of elements—the land, human toil, the climate, and respect for tradition—that makes the wines of the Candia hills unique. A wine that is not only an expression of the terroir, but also of the determination and courage of those who produce it.