For Terre di Sovernaja, my father and grandfather are my main sources of inspiration. They taught me about the rhythm of nature. They taught me how to improve our land and preserve the authenticity and character of the grape in its place of origin.

Federico took over the centuries-old family business (founded in 1685) just a few years ago. He literally grew up among the vines, and his childhood dream was to produce his own wine one day. His grandfather is his great source of inspiration and mentor.

Left photo: Federico's grandfather and great-grandfather with a “tractor” from 1948.

Working in the hills of San Gimignano is a daily privilege. In the 9 hectares of vineyards at 300 metres above sea level (formerly known as Terre di Sovernaja), I am developing a fully certified organic farming project. Here, in addition to the production of grapes, oil and saffron, animals can live freely, creating an essential natural balance.

This long journey, built on experience, study and extensive research, led to the birth of my first label in 2017, exactly fifty years after my grandfather's first label. Ripe grapes, gentle pressing and ageing in natural cement are the main characteristics of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the only DOCG white wine from Tuscany and Primo Bianco DOCG from Italy. My production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano is divided into two different varieties: Selection ‘Viti Sparse’, which comes from the best grapes from the various vineyards, and Riserva ‘Assola’, produced from a single vineyard that is about half a century old.

“In addition to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, I produce Vermentino and Verdacchio. Verdacchio is an ancient indigenous grape variety that has now completely disappeared, except in my vineyard! In 2015, after conducting a DNA test in collaboration with the university, we rediscovered a small but precious 120-year-old Verdacchio vineyard. With the 2019 vintage, I started producing the first 100% Verdacchio wines.”

I have been certified organic since 2010. By using green manure and many internal resources, I try to be as independent as possible and thus create a closed cycle.

I believe that the balance of a plant depends solely on the balance that surrounds it and what it creates itself.

This is my philosophy.

I try to preserve the character of the grapes in the cellar as much as possible and not to disturb what the earth has transferred to the fruit, so that this is reflected in the bottle.

I currently produce 25,000 bottles for a total of nine labels.

From the 2022 harvest onwards, I will have even more vineyards dedicated to the production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

A dream becomes reality when you can share it."

– Federico Montagnani