We started the process of getting permission to replace our ancient vineyard, in Montefiore dell’Aso Le Marche Italy, about 2 years ago, thinking it would be a simple and straight forward replacement, new for old! The regional authority could not find any record of the vineyard and in fact suggested that they may fine us for not having properly registered it before! Interesting approach as we were new owners! Sense prevailed, after 18 months, and we eventually had the vineyard added to the national records and we subsequently received our permission to remove the old vines.
The vines were neglected, about 35 years old and had not been producing wine for many years. The total size of the vineyard is about 7000m₂ on a south facing hillside about 300m above sea level. The terrain is not easy but we embarked on the process of vine removal in July 2009. The vineyard had to be deep vein ploughed by the end of August so no choice but to endure the long, hot, and sweltering summer days of July.
We were on site at 7.00am each day to beat the worst of the sun, and luckily the pool was finished so provided plenty of refreshing breaks. First we had to cut out all the tension wires, and then get a digger on site to dig out each vine and concrete post. There were hundreds........
We were on site at 7.00am each day to beat the worst of the sun, and luckily the pool was finished so provided plenty of refreshing breaks. First we had to cut out all the tension wires, and then get a digger on site to dig out each vine and concrete post. There were hundreds........
Needless to say I was top digger driver and the boys (Charlie, Jo and Sebastian) did all the heavy shifting. My back and knees hurt in sympathy as they worked like troopers all month, mutiny was mentioned on more than one occasion! In the middle of which they had to unload a container of furniture and household items from the UK, only 4200 cubic feet (a couple of containers).....................I don’t know what they were complaining about.
Anyway, as well as learning new management techniques I managed to effect a near perfect emergency exit from a falling digger, needless to say the boys were very sympathetic. So August arrived, the old vines and posts were piled up, awaiting disposal, and the vineyard was ready for ploughing.
The largest bulldozer I have ever seen then turned up at the end of August to complete the deep vein ploughing..............two days later he finished, having ploughed down to over a meter and turned the field inside out.
The largest bulldozer I have ever seen then turned up at the end of August to complete the deep vein ploughing..............two days later he finished, having ploughed down to over a meter and turned the field inside out.
Lots of missing anchor weights and root vines also appeared on the surface, another job for someone in the autumn. Boys.......where are you! To be continued....
You blog made me smile, well to nod in knowing empathy .... especially the strange way in which Italian bureaucracy works. I've realised it is an aspect of Italian creativity both to find, and then resolve, problems. And of course the bigger the problem, the bigger the sense of achievement when it is eventually overcome!
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring read, Michael, and well done to you all for achieving so much. I'll come and take a look soon .... and look forward to sampling your Appassionata vintage one day!