Azienda Agricola Lusenti

Location: Vicobarone di Ziano Piacentino, Val Tidone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Established: Family-run since the early 1900s; modern estate founded by Gaetano Lusenti.

Philosophy: Crafting authentic, terroir-driven wines with a focus on indigenous Colli Piacentini varieties and traditional refermentation methods.

Terroir & Site Characteristics

The estate is located in the Val Tidone, the westernmost valley of the Piacenza hills, bordering Lombardy’s Oltrepò Pavese.

• Topography: Vineyards are situated at an elevation of approximately 250–300 meters above sea level.

• Soil Composition: Primarily clay-limestone (Argille Azzurre), which provides excellent water retention and imparts structure and a distinct mineral tension to the wines.

• Microclimate: Characterized by significant diurnal temperature shifts and constant ventilation, which ensures healthy grape clusters and concentrated aromatic profiles.

Viticulture & Varietals

Lusenti is a champion of the local ampelographic heritage, practicing organic viticulture (certified) to protect the biodiversity of the Val Tidone.

• Key White Varietals: Malvasia di Candia Aromatica (the "queen" of the valley) and Ortrugo.

• Key Red Varietals: Barbera and Bonarda (Croatina), which are blended to create the region’s iconic Gutturnio.

• Farming Practices: No synthetic fertilizers or systemic treatments. Manual harvesting is strictly practiced to ensure only the highest quality fruit reaches the cellar.

Oenological Profile (Technical Vinification)

The cellar work, led by Lodovica Lusenti, balances ancestral traditions with modern precision.

• Traditional Refermentation: The estate is renowned for its Metodo Ancestrale and frizzante (semi-sparkling) wines. These undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle without disgorgement, resulting in "sur lie" (on the lees) wines that are cloudy, complex, and stable.

• Maceration: For white wines, particularly the Malvasia, Lusenti often employs extended skin contact (orange wine style) to extract the aromatic precursors and polyphenols inherent to the thick-skinned Candia variety.

• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts.

• Sulfur Management: Minimal use of SO2​, often significantly below the thresholds allowed for organic certification.

Style & Sensory Identity

Lusenti wines are a masterclass in rustic elegance. While the sparkling wines are vibrant, savory, and highly gastronomic, the still reds (such as their Gutturnio Riserva) show deep concentration, balsamic notes, and the characteristic acidity of the Barbera grape. They are "transparent" wines that prioritize the honesty of the vintage over commercial standardization.