Rudi Bindella opens a new winery in Bibbona, aiming for 30,000 bottles by 2029

by Divina Vitale

Rudi Bindella continues to invest in Tuscany. After Montepulciano, he has ventured into Bibbona, near Bolgheri, for a new project with Philipp Hildebrand, the former president of the Swiss National Bank and finance expert. Established in 2017, Tenuta Vergaia saw its first vintage in 2019, initially sold only in the Swiss market. However, the winery, located in the industrial area of La California in the Bibbona municipality, has just been inaugurated and is now ready to introduce its wines to Italy. The winery spans approximately 1,400 square meters, equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows for various winemaking techniques without relying on external suppliers. The production is led by winemaker Riccardo Cotarella.

The genesis of the project

Hildebrand, who is also the vice-chairman of the BlackRock investment fund, has cherished ties to the region since childhood, spending family vacations there. "Bibbona was a choice driven by the heart, by memories of childhood holidays," Hildebrand stated, "and by the idea of creating a great Bordeaux-style wine. This area is steeped in significant and ancient traditions. Just a few kilometers from Bolgheri, the old medieval village balances the hills overlooking the sea." One of Philipp's passions is the study of ancient and classical history. Appropriately, the estate's sole wine is inspired by Etruscan culture and the importance it placed on women. The wine is dedicated to the patron's three daughters, with the label, rotating every three years, featuring illustrations of three different Etruscan women, inspired by artistic representations housed in the British Museum.

Expansion plans

Currently, the estate comprises about 6 hectares of expanding vineyards. The goal is to increase from the current production of just over 6,000 bottles to 30,000 bottles by 2029. They grow international varieties to create Bordeaux blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The vineyards are situated at an altitude between 50 and 90 meters above sea level. A new vineyard of over 2 hectares, recently acquired, will soon be planted. The vines are trained using the cordon spur method, grown organically, with a planting density of 4,600 plants per hectare. The average yield per hectare does not exceed 50 quintals. The wine matures in new French oak barriques of 225 liters for 15 months; malolactic fermentation takes place entirely in barriques, in a conditioned barrel cellar, overlooked by the offices on the upper floor.