Podere Sottoilnoce is 14-hectare winery located in Castelvetro di Modena, within the Emilia-Romagna region. Established in 2016, and managed by winemaker Max Brondolo, the viticulture is organic and biodynamic. Principal grape varieties include Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Sorbara, Lambrusco Fiorano, Trebbiano di Modena, and Trebbiano di Spagna. The winery’s name, which means “under the walnut tree,” reflects the presence of a majestic walnut tree in the heart of its main vineyard, symbolizing the estate’s deep connection to nature and its terroir.
Emilia-Romagna, stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, is one of Italy’s most fertile and productive regions. Castelvetro di Modena, located at the heart of the Lambrusco Grasparossa DOC, provides an ideal environment for viticulture, characterized by red, silty-loam soils and a favorable Mediterranean climate.
The vineyards are managed without synthetic chemicals, using natural composts, biodynamic treatments, and cover crops to maintain soil health and promote ecological balance. The estate’s commitment to biodynamics, although not certified, reflects a philosophy of working in harmony with natural rhythms and cycles.
Max Brondolo’s winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention and respect for tradition. Harvesting is done by hand, and each grape variety is vinified separately to preserve its unique attributes. Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and sulfur additions are kept to a minimum, usually between 10 to 15 mg/L, added only after alcoholic fermentation.
