What is the Metodo Corino?

The Metodo Corino is a viticulture and winemaking approach developed by agronomist Lorenzo Corino with the Fattoria La Maliosa, near Saturnia, in Maremma. It is neither a grape variety nor an appellation: it is a set of practices aimed at preserving soils and the environment, and producing wines where the grape remains the only raw material.

In the vineyard, the approach favours biodiversity and polyculture: the vine plots are part of a landscape that also includes olive trees, woods and meadows. La Maliosa says it measures in particular the biological quality of the soils and the carbon footprint of its activity. In the cellar, fermentations take place with indigenous yeasts and bacteria; the estate says it excludes additives and chemical or physical interventions intended to alter the wine's evolution. Human work remains present, notably for racking and ageing.

In practice, "Metodo Corino" does not refer to a single taste: the wines vary according to grape varieties and cuvées. It is an indication of how they are grown and made, not an official organic certification guarantee nor a promise that all the wines are alike. If you taste one, ask which cuvée you have in your glass: that says more than the name of the method alone.