The first traces of the link between wine, vines, the lands of the Grave del Friuli and our family – the Pittaro family – date back to 1644.
In the early twentieth century Romano Pittaro, an expert winemaker, planted Merlot, a vine imported into Friuli from France in 1880. However, it was his son Angelo, after fifteen years in Venezuela, who built a modern winery – the Cantina San Martino – in 1968, where he also made white wines, which at that time had become the protagonists of Friuli’s wine production.
Later on, the Cantina San Martino will take the name of Pitars, following the destiny of the family name in local dialect. This surname in our brand is still associated with hawthorn, a frank but elegant plant that once marked the boundaries between the fields.
Born as research activities with universities and companies, in the vineyards we adopted what have become good agricultural practices for sustainable viticulture, respectful of health and the environment.
From targeted phytosanitary treatments with recovery sprayers, already tested in the early 2000s, to the most efficient defoliating machines. From 100% biological plant protection products which stimulate the natural defences of the plants, to pheromones to protect the vineyards from parasites.
We use alternative systems to herbicides as much as possible to keep the vines free from weeds. In addition, we limit water consumption with underground irrigation systems, which are also used to feed the vines with fertigation.
The use of resources is also rationalised in the cellar. For example, we use energy from renewable sources and heat recovery from winemaking processes.
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