Summary
Fattoria La Vialla is a remarkable operation: one of Europe's largest biodynamic farms, set near Castiglion Fibocchi in Tuscany. Across around 1,400 hectares of land, the Lo Franco family works vineyards, olive groves, fields and woodland according to the principles of Rudolf Steiner – Demeter-certified and committed to largely closed cycles. La Vialla is world-famous above all for its direct-to-consumer shipping: alongside Sangiovese-based reds, Chianti and the sweet Vin Santo, pecorino, olive oil, pasta and confectionery from its own production travel straight from the farm to customers all over Europe.
History
La Vialla's story begins in 1978, when Piero and Giuliana Lo Franco acquired the estate. The couple originally came from the textile business and were looking for a radical fresh start in harmony with nature. Over the decades, a derelict Tuscan property grew into a sprawling organic farm that brought old farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves back to life.
From early on, the family chose against the conventional path of the wholesale trade and staked everything on direct contact with its customers. What began with shipping wine and olive oil grew into a Europe-wide direct-sales business with catalogue and online shop. Today the fattoria is run in the third generation by the sons Antonio, Bandino and Gianni Lo Franco, who have consistently expanded its ecological course – towards one of the largest biodynamic farms on the continent.
Location & Terroir
La Vialla lies in the Tuscan hills near Castiglion Fibocchi, around 15 kilometres northwest of Arezzo in eastern Tuscany. The vineyards stretch across an altitude of roughly 300 to 470 metres above sea level – high enough to benefit from marked day-to-night temperature swings that give the wines freshness and aromatic expression.
The estate encompasses far more than vines: it includes extensive olive groves, grain and vegetable fields, woodland and livestock. This diversity is no accident but part of the biodynamic idea – a living organism in which soils, plants and animals work together. The combination of chalky hillside soils, elevation and the mild Tuscan climate forms the basis for the wines' distinctive style.
Style & Philosophy
At the heart of the fattoria is biodynamic cultivation following the principles of Rudolf Steiner, rigorously implemented and Demeter-certified. Instead of synthetic chemicals, La Vialla relies on compost, preparations, crop rotation and the power of a diverse farm organism. The ambition goes beyond organic farming: the estate emphasises closed cycles, the protection of biodiversity and the offsetting of CO2 emissions.
In the cellar, under the direction of oenologist Marco Cervellera, over 30 grape varieties are turned into roughly 39 different wines. The reds are traditionally based on Sangiovese, complemented by native and international varieties. Among the whites, the historic Tuscan Trebbiano plays the leading role, accompanied by Malvasia, Vernaccia, Vermentino, Chardonnay and other varieties. Stylistically, the focus is on accessibility, honesty and fair value for money – fitting for an estate that sells directly to wine lovers.
Notable Vineyards & Wines
The range is broad, reaching from everyday reds to a lusciously sweet classic. Among the best-known products are:
- Sangiovese Toscana IGT – an uncomplicated, fruit-forward red that is the estate's flagship
- Chianti DOCG – the classic Tuscan red on a Sangiovese base
- White and sparkling wines from Trebbiano, Malvasia and other varieties
- Vin Santo del Chianti – the amber dessert wine from dried Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes
- Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice – the rare version from red Sangiovese and white Malvasia grapes
Alongside the wine, olive oil, pecorino, pasta, sauces, honey and cantucci also shape the offering – all from its own production and part of the famous mail-order range.
Awards
La Vialla is regularly recognised for its organic quality and has been rated an outstanding organic wine producer in several competitions. Beyond the trade, the estate has above all made a name for itself as a pioneer of large-scale biodynamic farming – an operation that credibly combines ecological agriculture, artisanal production and consistent direct sales.