The Abruzzo pergola vineyard: Palazzo Centofanti explains it to you!
- Anastasia Centofanti
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
In Giuliano Teatino, in the heart of Abruzzo, Palazzo Centofanti is a winery that has made organic viticulture its mission. Among the practices that distinguish us is the use of the Abruzzo tendone (trellis) or pergola growing system, an ancient but increasingly popular technique, not only in Abruzzo, but in many other southern Italian wine-growing areas.
What is the tendone training system?
Imagine a vineyard growing like a natural roof created by the vines themselves. This is the tendone/ treillis system! The vine shoots are grown horizontally on a support structure, forming a kind of pergola above the plant.
In this way, the bunches of grapes remain protected under a natural ‘umbrella’ of leaves, avoiding the sunburn or damage from the rain.
It is important to point out that the canopy is particularly suitable for these latitudes and areas with strong sun exposure.
In the north, where the climate is cooler and the sun less intense, this system is not ideal. Therefore, the tendone system is especially designed for warmer regions, such as Abruzzo and Apulia, where it can really provide effective protection and promote optimal vine growth.
The advantages of the pergola
Natural grape protection
The ‘tendone’ training system offers natural protection to the grapes, shielding the bunches from damage caused by direct exposure to sunlight and the elements. This protection helps to maintain the integrity and quality of the grapes, favouring the production of fine wines.
Better aeration and disease prevention
The horizontal layout of the shoots allows better air circulation around the plant, reducing humidity and the risk of fungal diseases. This aspect is crucial in organic viticulture, where plant health is protected through natural practices, without resorting to the use of chemical pesticides. Adequate ventilation also promotes healthy and vigorous vine growth.
Harvest facilitation
The ‘tendone’ enables the grapes to be harvested more easily by hand, thanks to the higher positioning of the bunches. This reduces the need to bend over, making harvesting a faster and more efficient process. This facilitates the work of the operators and optimises hand harvesting time, improving the overall experience.
Optimising light exposure
The tendone system favours a balanced distribution of sunlight, preventing some parts of the plant from receiving too much exposure while others remain too shaded. This optimal balance of light and shade supports the synthesis of anthocyanins — pigments that contribute to the colour and structure of the wine. This improves the organoleptic characteristics of the grapes. As a result, quality grapes are obtained, resulting in complex, well-structured wines with rich and distinctive aromatic profiles.
Respect for the environment and tradition
The ‘tendone’ system is a technique that is rooted in the winegrowing tradition, but at the same time integrates perfectly with modern practices of environmental sustainability. This system reduces the use of heavy machinery and soil compaction, preserving biodiversity and maintaining a natural balance. This contributes to the health of the soil and promotes viticulture in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Double curtain (doppio impalco): a ‘super’ technique for the vineyard
In Palazzo Centofanti we are not satisfied with the traditional tendone: we have chosen to adopt the double curtain (doppio impalco) system, a solution that optimises both the growth of the plant and the quality of the grapes. This method involves two distinct levels of shoots: the leaves grow in the upper part, while the grapes grow in the lower part, closer to the ground.
This configuration offers numerous advantages:
The leaves naturally protect the grapes from excessive sun exposure, maintaining an ideal microclimate for ripening.
At the same time, the grapes benefit from greater accessibility for cultivation care: we can apply organic treatments with precision.
Thanks to the increased ventilation, humidity between the rows is reduced, thus limiting the risk of fungus and other vine diseases.
In addition, the arrangement on a lower level makes manual harvesting much easier and more efficient. Each bunch is more accessible, allowing us to carefully select only the best grapes, thus guaranteeing the quality that distinguishes our wines.
The double curtain is not just a technique, but a true ally for more sustainable and quality-conscious viticulture.