The Modigliana winemaking reality creates a historical reserve of the best crus, while planning the future starting from the presence on the territory, between integrated biodiversity and community development.
Ronchi di Castelluccio , a farm in Modigliana (Forlì–Cesena) that has made the winemaking history of Romagna and beyond great, celebrates 50 years . Since 2020 it has been owned by Aldo and Paolo Rametta who, together with a team of professionals, have restructured the winemaking and entrepreneurial project in a highly qualitative and sustainable way.
Born in New Orleans and raised between the United States and Switzerland, the desire to reconnect with their family roots and a shared passion for wine drove the two brothers to acquire the estate founded in 1974 by Gian Vittorio Baldi, who together with technicians Vittorio Fiore and Remigio Bordini – and the consultancy of Luigi Veronelli – created the first regional zoning project and one of the first in Italy, prioritizing quality over production quantity.
From a winemaking perspective, the main mission of the Rametta brothers was accomplished in the full recovery of the historic Ronchi , old crus literally torn from the surrounding woods from which the corresponding single vineyards are born: the Sangiovese Ronco Casone, Ronco della Simia and Ronco dei Ciliegi and the Sauvignon Blanc Ronco del Re . The vineyards were restored without sacrificing any plants, the traditional training systems were reinstated, the shortcomings were resolved by using the old ecotypes found in the notes of the agronomist Remigio Bordini, father of Francesco, currently responsible for the agronomic and oenological management.
“We have implemented a complex and ambitious agronomic plan through which to protect the identity and excellence of the historic Ronchis – explains Aldo Rametta –. The production of the single vineyards will remain clearly distinct from the rest of the selection, limited to a few examples and, from this year, partly enclosed in a precious archive . We will preserve the most beautiful memories and the best talents in liquid form of our estate, which we will also share with some selected clients and buyers”.
The other major project conducted by Aldo and Paolo Rametta’s team consists of a series of measures regarding sustainability and integrated biodiversity . New heads of selected cattle have been added to the cattle farm purchased in 2023, whose organic manure is used to fertilize the fields. New sheep have also arrived on the farm that naturally take care of the grass and a group of alpacas that will be involved in some reception activities.
“For us, sustainability is a concept to be expressed in pragmatic and effective choices, aimed at improving our relationship with nature and the community – continues Aldo Rametta –. Since 2020, we have been collaborating with the State Forestry Corps to clean up the hills of Modigliana. Together, we have planted cypresses, cleaned up woods and restored other green areas. A synergy between public and private that invites greater responsibility as individual citizens and as members of a community to be custodians of”.
With this in mind, Ronchi di Castelluccio, following an agreement with the local utility company, has expanded the photovoltaic system up to 2 MW, making it possible to satisfy the company’s demand for electricity and at the same time make the excess available to the community of Modigliana.
The 50th anniversary of Ronchi di Castelluccio represents for the company a moment of shared reflection, a further starting point to plan the future by implementing an innovative, responsible and far-sighted strategy. In this journey, quality and commitment to the environment and the community remain the fundamental pillars of the company’s mission.