L’Altra Donna

L'Altra Donna is a small, family-run farm and winery in the Alta Versilia area of Tuscany, Italy.1 It is a natural wine producer with a deep connection to its specific, historic terroir.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is located in the hills behind the famous seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, in the province of Lucca.2 The vineyards are situated at high altitudes, with a unique microclimate influenced by the nearby sea.

  • Founding: The winery is a project that brought together two families with a history of farming in the area. They are dedicated to reviving the winemaking traditions of the Alta Versilia, which had largely been abandoned in recent decades.3 The name, "The Other Woman," is a playful reference to a new love and passion for this unique terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

L'Altra Donna's philosophy is rooted in a respect for nature and a hands-off approach in the cellar.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically. The steep, terraced slopes require all vineyard work to be done by hand. They avoid the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides, focusing on traditional methods of fertilization.

  • Indigenous Grapes: The winery champions the local grape varieties of the region, most notably Vermentino, including a rare local clone, Vermentino Nero.4 They also work with other traditional grapes like Trebbiano and Masseretta.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is to guide the wine with as little intervention as possible.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or wild, yeasts.

    • "Ancestral Method": They are particularly known for their sparkling wines made using the pétillant naturel (pét-nat) method.

    • Extended Skin Contact: Many of their white wines undergo a period of skin maceration, resulting in complex and textured "orange" wines.5

    • Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum or is not used at all.6

Notable Wines

L'Altra Donna produces a small but diverse portfolio of wines that are authentic expressions of the Alta Versilia terroir.

  • Vermentino: A signature wine made from the Vermentino grape, known for its distinct minerality, aromatic complexity, and a savory finish.

  • Vermentino Nero: A red wine made from the rare local clone of Vermentino.7 It is a light-bodied, fresh, and aromatic red with a distinct sense of place.

  • "Ancestrale" Sparklings: Their pét-nat sparkling wines are a highlight, offering a lively and rustic fizz with a pure expression of the grapes.

  • Toscano Zero: An orange wine made with extended skin contact and no added sulfur, it is known for its intensity and complexity.8