Edmund
Pomella could have chosen an easier path: As a third-generation winegrower, he
had the opportunity to take over a thriving winery in Cortaccia in 2016. The
vineyards boasted old grapevines of classic varieties, so it seemed a
no-brainer to just continue as it was. Yet what he wanted was something more
natural. Pomella is passionate: passionate about nature, passionate about
protecting our environment. And, as a consequence: passionate about natural,
digestible wines.
But
Edmund Pomella also values old treasures, so he decided to graft the vines in
his vineyards, some of which are up to 100 years old. The old rootstocks
formed the basis for modern PIWI varieties: Bronner, Johanniter, Muscaris,
Souvignier Gris, Prior, Cabernet Cortis. These varieties can be
cultivated without using chemical pesticides. And Pomella did not only keep the
rootstocks, he also continues to use the old pergola training system, which
offers significant benefits in locations exposed to intense sunlight and scarce
in water.
Cultivating
natural wines helps accomplish two goals simultaneously: Promoting human
well-being without harming nature. And it doubles the quality: “This is not
just about the quality of our wines but also about quality of life, respect for
nature, our vines, our soils, and all life on our planet,” says Pomella, who
also offers farm tours and runs his own farm store, where consumers can buy his
wines and other natural products.
