Colombaia and Spannocchia - 6/5/2013

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Last week we went to a biodynamic vineyard called Colombaia, which translates to “house of doves.” Biodynamic agriculture is “a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic relationships of the soil of plants, and animals as a self-sustaining system.” It’s completely organic and they use no chemicals or other additives in the making of their wine. Helena and Dante are the owners of the vineyard and were delightful people. Our Consuming Ethics instructor is a friend with the two of them and so we got a tour of the place. Carlton and I bought several bottles which we plan to bring home with us.

Yesterday we went to a pig farm just half an hour southwest from Siena called Spannocchia. Our instructor informed us it is “the Colombaia of cinta sinese.” Cinta sinese is a special Italian breed of pig. All of the pigs are free-range and live a minimum of two years (unlike 6 months in the U.S.) before they are sent to slaughter. Once weaned from the mother, (which is usually after a few months unlike a few weeks in the U.S. factory farming style), they roam the property rooting around for roots, hazelnuts and other sundry things that pigs eat in the woods. 

Their diet is supplemented with grains. Once slaughtered, the meat is preserved primarily through a natural curing process. Prosciutto, which is the hind legs of the pig, cures for approximately two years. There are absolutely no preservatives or other additives to the meat, just spices and salt of course.

This type of traditional pig farming would never occur in the States because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would have none of it. So Spannocchia was a really unique look at an alternative to the dominant mode of pork production. Carlton and I definitely bought some salami but we will be eating it here. Unfortunately U.S. customs will not allow animal products into the country, even the purest, most ethically produced pork product you can find.