(Gaiole, Italy) Born in Quebec, Paula Cook Papini followed her passion for wine to Tuscany, Italy, where she now owns a vineyard. A trip in images between the vines at harvest time, in the Chianti region.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Paula Cook Papini, originally from Saint-Bruno, is the owner of the Le Miccine vineyard, in the beautiful village of Gaiole, in the Chianti region, Italy. Thanks to his European parents, there were always good bottles of wine on the table. She left Quebec in 2006 to study viticulture and oenology.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
During her studies, Paula worked the grape harvests in France and Italy. She then offered herself as an oenologist and learned on the job. She encountered difficulties. Let’s say that as a woman and a Quebecer, there were pitfalls.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Italians have been making wine for centuries. Paula came up against a form of complacency on the part of some, a look coming from above. But that didn’t stop her from going for it.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
For her, wine is about sharing, culture, creativity, languages, travel. Even after 14 years, she is still in love with the place, and happy to be surrounded by beauty all the time. Obviously, she does not regret her choice of life. She chose Italy because her grandmother is Italian. This family bond gave her the desire to learn the language, which she masters to perfection, then to get to know this country better.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Her parents encouraged her to find small plots of vines. But when she saw Le Miccine, which was for sale, she fell in love. The project was bigger than she was looking for. She nevertheless made an offer which was accepted.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Thanks to her naivety, Paula jumped in and went for it. She thus became an owner at the age of 25, in 2010. She is now 14are harvest.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The winemaker produces on average 25,000 bottles per year, sold in 12 countries. She also runs a lodge (agroturismo) which can accommodate six people, from May to October. It is open for tastings and visits all year round (in winter by reservation).
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Five grape varieties are grown in the vineyard: San Giovese (Paula’s favorite), Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot and white Vermentino.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
During the visit of The Press, several Quebecers were on site. Paula conducts these tastings in four languages: French, English, Spanish and Italian.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Her partner, Federico Di Fuzio, also takes care of the vineyard. They have worked together for four years.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Leonardo Vanni completes the trio: the full-time employee of the vineyard lends a helping hand. It does a little bit of everything. Given the labor shortage, it is of paramount importance to Paula.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
During winemaking, the two men place the grape berries, skins and seeds in a vertical wine press. We separate the juice from the grapes. Carrying out these steps sometimes requires both people at once.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
There are 13 hectares in total, but only 7 hectares of vines. It is considered a small vineyard. All production is organic.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND
The village of Gaiole. In the surrounding area, you can visit Siena, located around thirty minutes by car. The small surrounding villages – Meleto, Vertina, Radda, Castellina – are all interesting to discover for their charm and the peaceful life of the Tuscan countryside.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND
Then while you are in Tuscany, why not take the opportunity to visit other vineyards, do outdoor activities, but above all, take the time to discover the culinary particularities of the region… without forgetting to visit Florence, which is an hour’s drive away.