Fleurop & Wines and Prosecco from Albino Armani

Armani pursues a traditional, forward-looking approach to viticulture that contrasts with modern, market-oriented and sometimes rather aggressive methods. Since the 1980s, he has been conducting research in his own laboratories and investing in research and collaborations with top-tier universities to revitalize old vines and forgotten aromas. His aim is to preserve and develop these discoveries for the future. 

Armani is committed to sustainable viticulture that avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilizers. Instead of using insecticides, he fights pests using mating disruption. This method uses specific diffusers applied in the vineyards, which by dispersing pheromones disorient male pests, prevent mating and block the reproductive cycle. Fertilization is done exclusively with cow manure from local farmers, supplemented by green manure, which promotes the reproduction of beneficial insects. Instead of using herbicides in summer, Armani mows the grass along the vines, further emphasizing its environmentally friendly philosophy.

At Armani, temperature control systems have been optimized to use heat from cooling systems, thus reducing electricity consumption by 40 percent. In addition, the temperature in the warehouse is not artificially regulated. Instead, the walls are covered with jasmine plants, which act as natural air conditioning and are effective.

Because vineyards require a lot of water, Armani has chosen only areas with non-arid climates for its vineyards. Areas in northeastern Italy have good rainfall and are naturally suitable for vines. Nevertheless, it may not rain enough in summer. Therefore, Armani uses drip and underground irrigation. This has drastically reduced water consumption. The pipes are placed close to the root system so that losses through evaporation, runoff and infiltration are minimized. The ability to regulate irrigation using sensors and remote control enables precise adjustment to the needs of the vines and helps to conserve resources. Finally, Armani collects water that drips from the walls of the Marano cellar. Each drop flows into an underground reservoir for irrigation. This shows how Armani also uses unconventional methods to obtain water.

Due to its location in the rocks, Albino Armani's winery in Marano di Valpolicella does not require any artificial cooling or heating, which is not only environmentally friendly but also saves costs. The roof is covered with 80 cm of soil, on which a flower meadow grows in summer. The south-facing walls are planted with wild rosemary and ivy. This is beautiful and insulating. The strategic positioning of the grape drying rooms, which take advantage of the north wind, shows how thoughtful the design is to further reduce energy consumption. The use of local stone slabs for the walls and the invisible arrangement of the steel columns ensures good ventilation and keeps the interior of the building cool.

Armani's company is a member of WineGraft, a spin-off from the University of Milan. Together, they have bred vines that are resistant to drought, thrive on saline soil and require very little water. This research, funded by Armani, benefits the entire viticulture world as the root-stocks are readily available through a nursery. In addition, much of the agricultural land used by Armani is open to the public. There are 100 km of cycle paths that lead through unspoiled nature. In Vaio Celane, for example, which belongs to the Marano estate, Armani has preserved an old pond with frogs, fish and water lilies. Illustrative and educational signs have been placed along these paths to help visitors get to know the area and appreciate its beauty.