The island of Giglio embodies a Mediterranean style of viticulture closely linked to the rugged and sun-drenched landscape of the Tuscan archipelago. The vineyards are nestled amongst the scrubland, olive groves and ancient terraces supported by dry-stone granite walls, built to make the steep slopes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea suitable for cultivation. The mild, dry and breezy climate, shaped by the constant influence of the sea, promotes the gradual ripening of the grapes and helps to preserve their balance and aromatic intensity. The predominantly granitic and quartz-zonite substrate, combined with the presence of poor, well-drained soils, imparts a distinct mineral and salty character to the wines.
The iconic grape variety is Ansonica, known locally as Ansonaco, the star of the Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario appellation and of the island’s winemaking tradition. The grapes produce white wines with a warm, intense and harmonious profile, featuring Mediterranean notes, hints of ripe fruit and a pleasant savoury quality. Alongside dry wines, Ansonica also lends itself to natural sun-drying, resulting in sweet, concentrated wines. Cultivation retains an artisanal character: low-growing vines, manual labour and constant attention to the terraces tell the story of an ancient agricultural tradition, already deeply rooted on the island in Etruscan and Roman times.