La Stecciaia Brewery: the excellence of organic beer in the Crete Senesi
In the heart of the picturesque Crete Senesi, in Rapolano Terme, lies La Stecciaia, the first certified organic farm brewery in Italy. Born within the Podere del Pereto farm, active since 1997 with organic farming methods, La Stecciaia is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can merge to create unique, high-quality craft beers.
The brewery’s philosophy is based on a very short and transparent supply chain: all the cereals used – such as Senatore Cappelli wheat, emmer and einkorn spelt, and Gentil Rosso soft wheat – are grown directly on the company’s land. This approach guarantees total control over the quality of the raw materials and allows offering beers with an authentic flavor, strongly linked to the territory and its peculiarities.
Craft production and characterful organic beers
At every stage of the production process, La Stecciaia exercises meticulous care: from the selection of raw materials to the use of quality hops, from brewing to maturation in the cold room. The beers undergo neither filtration nor pasteurization, thus preserving all the organoleptic elements intact that make each product distinctive and rich in nuances.
Among the brewery’s most representative creations are:
- Gentilrossa: an organic top-fermented beer inspired by the “Dubbel” style, enriched by Gentil Rosso wheat which gives it body and complexity.
- Farzotta: characterized by the addition of emmer and bottle refermentation, it presents an intense golden color and a balanced taste.
- Senatrice: based on Senatore Cappelli wheat, it recalls the tradition of Belgian farmhouse “Saison” beers, fresh and rustic in character.
- Mandarina B.: a Golden Ale with oats and natural refermentation, light and fragrant.
- Cocò: a floral and refreshing blanche thanks to the addition of einkorn spelt and bergamot peel.
- Rye IPA: a double dry-hopped beer that enhances intense aromas and spicy rye notes.
- Magia Nera: a Black IPA combining toasted rye and wheat malts, dark in color with hazelnut hues and beige foam.
Over the years, La Stecciaia has earned important awards, including gold and silver medals in national and international competitions, confirming the quality of its organic beers.
Besides production, the brewery also stands out for its strong connection with the territory: it celebrated its tenth anniversary with a festival dedicated to organic craft beer, offering an immersive experience in the nature and culture of the Crete Senesi.
La Stecciaia is thus a virtuous example of Italian craftsmanship, where passion for sustainability, love for the land, and brewing expertise come together to create beers that tell a story of excellence and respect for the territory.