Luca D'Attoma and Tenuta Maryamado’s Winemaking Philosophy

15 July 2024

"An artist must be free, of the people. And also provocative," declares the Brescia artist Vezzoli.

This sentiment echoed in my mind when I first had the privilege of meeting Luca D'Attoma, a wine visionary whose words resonate with the same depth of his wines. This philosophy is mirrored in D'Attoma's approach—not merely as a winemaker but as a true "wine stylist," dedicated to articulating the intricate beauty of Tenuta Maryamado's terroir. Here, he scripts a new narrative, where bold creativity harmonizes with profound reverence for the land.

For D'Attoma, freedom of expression does not entail radically reinventing Tuscan winemaking traditions, but rather listening to and interpreting the voice of the land and its grapes. "Everything transforms, yet nothing is lost," I think as he underscores how each facet of his work embodies a continual dialogue with nature—a transformative process that reveres and enhances the essence of grape varietals.

D'Attoma's journey in winemaking has been characterized by a penchant for experimentation, guided by profound reverence for the land and unquenchable curiosity. Having traversed the globe from Burgundy to Napa Valley, the oenologist brings to Tenuta Maryamado a wealth of international experiences and a winemaking vision that challenges the conventional boundaries of viticulture.

"The true challenge has been to blend my vision with the unique history and character of Tenuta Maryamado and this particular viticultural area in Tuscany. Maryamado is one of those projects that come along only a few times in a lifetime," confesses D'Attoma. The winemaker describes his approach as a delicate balance of audacity and humility: daring to explore innovative techniques while humbly listening to the land and its grapes.

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of D'Attoma's work is his unwavering focus on biodiversity and sustainability. Tenuta Maryamado embraces agricultural practices that not only respect the environment but also celebrate its richness and diversity. "We work in harmony with nature to bring a piece of Tuscany into every glass, because we live in a context where nothing should be left to chance," affirms D'Attoma, emphasizing how organic farming lies at the heart of the estate's winemaking endeavors.

The meticulous and scrupulous grape selection marks only the beginning of a process aimed at capturing the essence of the terroir. D'Attoma delves into the intricacies of grape varietals such as Sangiovese, Colorino, and Merlot, each nurtured in carefully chosen parcels to best express the unique characteristics of Tenuta Maryamado's soil and microclimate. "Each varietal represents a piece in a grand mosaic," he explains, "and my role is to blend them into a liquid masterpiece."

D'Attoma's vision takes form through vinification techniques that harness “technology without succumbing to it”. Fermentation occurs in specially crafted vats designed to elevate the essence and aromatic complexity of the wines, while wood aging is managed with care to ensure it complements, rather than dominates, the grapes' natural expression. "Wood whispers; it does not shout," he makes me think while describing his restrained approach to barrel usage.

Under D'Attoma's guidance, Tenuta Maryamado’s wines promise to embody an authentic and vibrant essence of Tuscany, communicating not just the terroir's character but also the oenologist's artistic vision.

In the world of wine, where tradition often clashes with a yearning for innovation, Luca D'Attoma stands as a pioneer—an oenologist whose wines, with each sip, prove that one can honor the past while boldly charting new horizons. His collaboration with Tenuta Maryamado exemplifies the transformative power of wine when crafted with freedom, passion, and profound respect for the land.