Spring in the Vineyard, April Tasks in Our Antique Vineyard

Spring in the Vineyard, April Tasks in Our Antique Vineyard

As spring arrives in Maremma, Tuscany, life in the vineyard awakens with purpose. At Tenuta Le Mandorlaie, our antique vineyard—home to 70-year-old Sangiovese vines—demands special attention and care during April, a crucial time for setting the foundation for the growing season ahead.

With nature bursting into bloom and temperatures gently rising, we begin one of the most important periods in our organic vineyard calendar. From green pruning to monitoring soil health, April is all about guiding the vineyard into a healthy, balanced growth phase—naturally and sustainably.

Understanding Our Antique Vineyard

Our vineyard is a living expression of time, tradition, and terroir. Planted decades ago in the sun-kissed hills of Mandorlaie, our old vines have deep roots, both literally and metaphorically. They require thoughtful management, with every decision made by hand and with deep respect for the land.

These vines don’t rush—they produce lower yields but deliver exceptional quality and concentration in every grape. Nurturing them in April is about restraint, balance, and preparing them for what’s to come.

April’s Key Task, Green Pruning

Green pruning, or “potatura verde,” is a vital part of our April vineyard work. Unlike the winter pruning carried out when the vines are dormant, green pruning happens when the vine has begun to grow. The shoots are tender, new, and full of potential.

What Is Green Pruning?

Green pruning involves selectively removing some of the young, fast-growing shoots from each vine. These shoots sprout rapidly in spring, and while it might seem counterintuitive to cut away new growth, it’s essential for the health and balance of the vine.

By reducing excess shoots early we,

• Control yield – Too many shoots can lead to overcrowding and overproduction, diluting the quality of the grapes. Green pruning allows us to focus the vine’s energy on fewer, higher-quality clusters.
• Improve air circulation – Well-spaced shoots reduce the risk of fungal diseases by allowing air and light to move through the canopy.
• Manage sun exposure – We shape the canopy so that grapes can ripen evenly under the Tuscan sun, without getting scorched or hidden.
• Support sustainable balance – Overworked vines are more susceptible to stress. By green pruning, we help our antique vines stay healthy and strong.

At Tenuta Le Mandorlaie, every vine is pruned by hand. This intimate connection with each plant ensures we preserve the natural shape and rhythm of the vine, while encouraging optimal growth and fruit development.

Other Vineyard Tasks in April

While green pruning is the cornerstone of April work, it’s not the only task demanding attention. Here’s a glimpse into the other activities happening among the vines this month:

•  Trellis and Wire Checks

With the first growth spurts appearing, we inspect and adjust the trellis system and supporting wires. Strong support ensures the shoots grow upright and maintain good structure throughout the growing season.

• Soil Health and Cultivation

April is also a time when we pay close attention to the health of the soil. We monitor moisture levels, assess organic matter, and lightly cultivate the surface where needed. Our commitment to organic farming means we never use herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we rely on compost and green cover crops to enrich the soil and support biodiversity.

• Frost Protection

While April days are warm, early morning frosts can still threaten young shoots. In low-lying areas of the vineyard, we remain vigilant—ready to take action if cold nights are forecast. Protecting our old vines at this delicate stage is critical for the vintage to come.

• Vineyard Biodiversity Watch

Our antique vineyard is more than just rows of vines—it’s an ecosystem. As wildflowers bloom and bees begin their work, we observe and record signs of healthy biodiversity. From wild herbs between the rows to the flutter of butterflies and ladybugs, these small signs show us that nature is in balance.

Working in Harmony with the Land

At Tenuta Le Mandorlaie, tending to our vineyard in April is both science and tradition. We combine generational knowledge with organic methods to support the natural rhythms of the vine. Green pruning and all other tasks are carried out with patience, precision, and respect for the ecosystem we’re part of.

Our goal is always to produce wines that express the land, the vintage, and the story of our vines. April’s quiet work will bear fruit—literally—months down the line, when we harvest the Sangiovese grapes that go into our flagship wine, Capricci.

Visit Us This Spring

If you visit Maremma in April, you may catch us among the rows, secateurs in hand, gently guiding the vines. Guests staying at Lavender Cottage, our agriturismo nestled in the estate, are always welcome to walk the vineyard paths, ask questions, and experience firsthand the peaceful, purposeful rhythm of spring in the vineyard.

The work may be quiet, but it’s deeply meaningful. In every snip of green pruning, we are shaping the story of the 2025 vintage—one vine at a time.