In the enchanting Oltrepò Pavese, two brothers share a dream that goes beyond reality. With the warmth of the sun on their shoulders and the scent of the vineyards in their hearts, they work together every day, uniting their souls and their love for the land
In the picturesque land of the Oltrepò, the bond of two brothers, woven with love and sharing, reverberates in every vine, in every bunch and mixes with the soul of the land, giving life to organic wines that tell their story. A story of brotherhood and passion and the tradition of a land that has seen vines and wines grow together.
The name Fradé, which means ‘brothers‘ in the Oltrepò Pavese dialect, is also the acronym derived from the initial parts of the proper names FRAncesco and Federico (DEde) Piaggi, young winegrowers from the Oltrepò Pavese area.
Fradé was born from the brothers Francesco and Federico‘s desire to obtain genuine and excellent wines by following the dictates of organic farming, using only natural substances to defend and nourish their vineyards in Borgo Priolo.
The company is located in the natural basin of Boffenisio at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level and operates on a medium-sized farm with an extension of 25 hectares, 9 of which are planted with vines. The vineyards are exposed to the North, North-East, South-East, North-West and East, where there are Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Croatina, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes in a popular area, surrounded and protected by woods.
The winery is family-run, where all stages are followed personally with love and experience, from work in the fields to processing and sales.
Limited production is required from the vines, so that the plants are not stressed and the wines made from their grapes are generous, authentic and energetic. The viticulture, which is strictly organic and certified, allows the production of high quality grapes harvested by hand in boxes and selected bunches, according to the ripening curves that occur in a particular microclimate within the Boffenisio estate in the Oltrepò Pavese area. Indeed, it is very important to ensure that the grapes arrive in the cellar perfectly intact and at the right degree of ripeness.
The vinification of the grapes and subsequent ageing are supervised by the winemaker. All operations take place in a modern wine cellar with all equipment. Barrel wines are matured in skilfully sized barrels made of fine wood, while classic method sparkling wines are fermented and matured in the darkness of a temperature-controlled room.
The Fradés say: ‘We grew up among the fields, but the first time we saw Boffenisio we were taken by a feeling of warmth and intoxicated by the scents. It was late spring, the vineyards looked like a green carpet laid out in the natural basin, and the woods crowned the slopes as if to protect the ancient fruit. We returned there in autumn, the green gave way to oxidised colours in a palette of browns, reds and yellows, and the scents had changed, stabilised. Then again amidst a blanket of white, silent snow, then amidst the blossoms and scents of spring, then the dream came true, in these places of ceaseless beauty‘.
"Frade‘ Wine" is a true jewel in the world of organic wine, where passion for the land and respect for traditions come together to create bottles of pure love and emotion. Every sip of their wines is a journey into the Oltrepò Pavese, a warm embrace of the culture and tradition of this territory. Wine connoisseurs, as well as the most distracted consumers, Thank you for making our palate and heart richer with every bottle
