Marco Simonit: The Pruning Maestro Revolutionizing Vineyards
Meet Marco Simonit, a true aficionado when it comes to details. His visit to our Languedoc estate was preceded by a list of seven dietary restrictions, indicative of his meticulous nature. Upon seeing his bathroom, he inquired if it was shared with anyone else, concerned about privacy. Even during dinner, he couldn’t help but comment on the temperature of the champagne I served him. Yes, Marco Simonit is a perfectionist, and not just in his personal life.
With over 150 clients worldwide, including esteemed wine producers, Simonit has made a name for himself in the viticultural world. His expertise lies in vine pruning, a somewhat esoteric subject but a crucial task that every grower must undertake each winter. Before Simonit’s groundbreaking pruning techniques came into play about two decades ago, most vine growers followed a set pattern of pruning that was uniform throughout each wine region. Simonit’s approach, known as “gentle pruning,” is tailored to each vine’s needs in order to foster longevity and optimal health.
While it takes about five years to see the results of his technique, Simonit aims to create vineyards filled with well-balanced vines that ripen uniformly and have a natural resistance against pests, diseases, and the changing climate. Today, this holistic approach is more appealing than ever, as numerous vines suffer from fatal trunk diseases like esca, which Simonit refers to as a “pandemic” affecting vineyards worldwide.
Simonit’s path to becoming a pruning expert began during his childhood in Collio, an Italian wine region in the northeast. He became fascinated by the wounds caused by standard pruning and discovered dead wood infested with fungi responsible for trunk diseases. The lack of information on this subject at the time led him to investigate ancient vines and understand how they thrived despite the challenges. Thus, he developed the concept of individualized vine pruning, making small, carefully considered cuts that respect the flow of sap and the age of the wood. His work with renowned wine producer Mario Schiopetto garnered attention, and soon Simonit found himself advising growers in Friuli and establishing the business Simonit & Sirch in 2003.
Denis Dubourdieu, a renowned oenology professor at the University of Bordeaux, played a pivotal role in Simonit’s career, introducing him to prestigious French clients such as Château Latour, Château d’Yquem, and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Simonit’s expertise now extends beyond Europe, with recent consultancies in Champagne Bollinger’s Oregon outpost, Ponzi Vineyards.
The traditional pruning methods used in vineyards not only make them more susceptible to trunk diseases but also lead to declining yields as the vines age. This results in replanting vineyards every 20 years, just as the grapes reach their prime quality. Simonit, however, firmly believes that thoughtfully pruned vines can continue to produce exceptional wines for many more decades. He can decipher a vineyard’s story by reading the vines like a book, exposing any imperfections that cannot be hidden.
During the Covid pandemic, Simonit sought to share his knowledge by launching the Vine Master Pruners Academy, a digital platform dedicated to teaching vine pruning. With over 15,000 subscribers in 14 countries, the academy aims to empower vineyard workers with valuable skills. In addition to the academy, Simonit and his team established a masters degree course in pruning and shoot thinning with the University of Bordeaux. They also conduct on-site pruning schools in various wine regions across the globe.
While Simonit’s achievements in viticulture are admirable, perhaps his greatest accomplishment lies in the social impact he has made. The training he provides has elevated vineyard work and bestowed importance upon workers in regions like California, South Africa, and Australia, where they were historically undervalued and undertrained. By instilling a sense of pride and knowledge, Simonit has transformed the lives of vineyard workers, making them essential contributors to the wine industry.
To experience the results of Simonit’s philosophy firsthand, check out recommendations from his clients below:
Relatively affordable options from Simonit clients
Red:
- Château Reynon Rouge 2019 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 14.5% ABV – £13.95 The Wine Society
- Spier Seaward Shiraz 2021 Coastal Region 14.5% ABV – $19.99 Total Wine
- Castello Colle Massari Riserva 2016 Montecucco 14.5% ABV – £75 for six bottles in bond, Falcon Vintners
White:
- Bründlmayer Terrassen Grüner Veltliner 2021 Kamptal 12% ABV – £19.40 Noble Grape
- Inama Vigneti Foscarino 2020 Soave Classico 12.5% ABV – £24.95 Connolly’s Wine Merchants
- Rebholz Vom Muschelkalk Riesling trocken 2020 Pfalz 12.5% ABV – £28.20 Justerini & Brooks
Sparkling:
Tasting notes, scores, and suggested drink dates are available on Purple Pages of JancisRobinson.com. International stockists can be found on Wine-searcher.com. Stay updated with our latest stories by following @FTMag.
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