The lands of “Il Pratello” in the rural district of Modigliana once formed part of Tuscany. Traces can still be detected in the form of cypresses, olives, minor abbeys, the odd bas relief, carved stonework.

“Il Pratello” makes part of the association “the Colors of the Romagna Tuscany”

A few stocks and tendrils surviving among the scrub down by the ruined cemetery once used by the fifteenth century abbey form a bridge to today’s vines, cultivated by the traditional method.

Nature’s work enhanced by present-day know-how, though with scrupulous respect for health and the environment – the key, surely, to our equilibrium and well-being.

Situated at a height ranging from 400 to 600 metres above sea level, the fields and vineyards of Il Pratello occupy the domain of the ancient Badia di Santa Maria in Raustignolo.

On inheriting the estate from my father in 1991, I saw a chance to put together my past studies and my work experience in wine cellars and as a consultant.

The idea had stayed with me over the years, and here I was putting it into practice, making sense of my life according to time’s own rhythms and the seasons’ natural course.

The nagging feeling of unrest at consumerism and globalisation faded into the distance and work gained a sense of purpose from the hands-on relation to the product.