THE ESTATE

Barbialla Nuova is an estate of 500 hectares half of which is occupied by cultivated and grazing fields, the other half by an age-old wood rooted in tufa (volcanic rock). Its soft hills are notably reminiscent of the Sienese landscape and its lush oak woods are rendered unique by the phenomenon of “calanchi” (erosion furrows) – spectacular precipices that open up within the rock itself. The land, through its intrinsic nature and as a result of management, has several unique features that distinguish it from the typical morphology of the Tuscan countryside. It does not feature the typical geometrical shapes of vineyard and olive groves, instead it has preserved a wilder, more rugged appearance, which is no less enchanting. The natural predisposition of the land to the raising of the highly-regarded "chianine" cows and the presence of white truffles has allowed the farm management to concentrate their efforts on producing goods of highly refined quality.

THE FARM

The farm of Barbialla Nuova received its organic farming certification in 1992. The policy behind the farm has always been based on respect for the earth and high-quality production, rather than seeking profit without caring for the natural balance of the land.
The hilly part of the estate is entirely fenced off and subdivided into five sectors destined for rotation of grazing. The lake, located just a few hundred metres from the farm centre, is a useful reservoir of water and has always served as a watering-hole for nocturnal animals.
The main farming activity is the breeding of a herd of approximately sixty “chianine” cows, which are raised all year round in the wild state; the end product is meat of superb quality, while the grazing cattle render the landscape uniquely attractive. Most of the cultivated land, dedicated to providing feed for the cattle, is divided into pasture and wheat fields, which, over the course of the year, continually change the colour and appearance of the hills. The farm also produces fruit and vegetables, as well as chickens and some pigs.

THE WOODS

Woods occupy half the land of the estate and are characterised by erosion fissures: walls of rock that soar to peaks of up to one hundred metres in height. In contrast to the cultivated areas, where the results of farming can clearly be seen, the age-old woods of Barbialla Nuova are an extraordinary refuge for deer, wild boars, hedgehogs, badgers and other woodland animals, as well as for various species of indigenous trees. Besides being used for the generation of firewood and hunting activities, the area is also frequented by seekers of truffles, the precious tuber that grows in the thin sandy layer of the moistest valley beds. The estate is one of the rare areas in the world in which white truffles , are found and, consequently, also includes an exclusive reserve set up with a subsidy from the Regional Government for the purpose of enhancing and monitoring this extraordinary fruit of the earth. The underwood also contains porcini mushrooms and blackberries.