Soil fertility as a starting point
For us, fertility comes from the soil itself.
We do not use chemical fertilizers, but only our own compost, vermicompost, and biodynamic preparations, which help the soil maintain its vitality, structure, and ability to regenerate.
Crop treatments are also minimal and natural:
for the vines, we use sulfur and copper, supplemented by seaweed and biodynamic preparations that strengthen the plant’s natural defenses;
for the olive trees, interventions are even more limited: copper after pruning and, only when necessary, treatments based on propolis or clay before harvest.
Every intervention is assessed based on seasonal conditions and the actual needs of the plants.
Listening to the land to produce authentic wine and olive oil
Our farming practices do not follow rigid protocols, but are guided by our daily observation of the vineyard and olive grove. Every vintage is different; every season brings new challenges and new opportunities.
We believe that the task of the farmer is not to dominate nature, but to listen to it and accompany it.
It is from this approach that the natural wines, extra virgin olive oil, and all of Le Coste’s products are born: authentic expressions of a volcanic territory, without any artificial intervention.
Organic farming and volcanic terroir: the philosophy of Le Coste in Gradoli
A volcanic land that tells stories
The Le Coste Winery is located in Gradoli, in the heart of Alta Tuscia, a unique region where Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany meet. The vineyards and olive groves overlook Lake Bolsena, Europe’s largest volcanic lake, formed about a million years ago by ancient eruptions.
It is precisely the volcanic origin of the territory that defines Le Coste’s terroir: tufaceous soils, light and stony, rich in minerals and naturally well-drained. A living soil that profoundly influences the character of the wines and the quality of the agricultural produce.
Farming in this context means engaging daily with the land and its geological history, embracing its complexity and its expressive power
Organic farming that follows nature’s cycles
Le Coste practices natural, certified organic farming based on respect for the earth’s cycles and a balance between cultivation and the environment.
We have chosen a farming approach inspired by traditional methods, far removed from intensive farming practices and focused on biodiversity.
For this reason, we adopt a mixed farming model:
vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees, legumes, and grains coexist within the same agricultural ecosystem. This diversity makes the soil more resilient and contributes to the long-term health of the plants.
We also apply the principles of biodynamics, prioritizing manual labor and careful management: one dedicated person for every hectare of cultivated land. A demanding choice, but one consistent with our vision of quality agriculture.