Le Terrazze del Canto

Paolo Rusconi — Lombardy

Le Terrazze del Canto is a small, family-run winery located in the hills of Lombardy. Founded in 2021 by Paolo Rusconi, the project is a testament to his passion for the land and a desire to revive abandoned vineyards. The name, which means "The Terraces of the Song," evokes the beautiful, terraced landscape of the area and the lyrical quality of the wines he produces. Paolo is a newcomer to the natural wine scene, but his dedication to sustainable farming and non-interventionist winemaking has quickly earned him recognition.

A Philosophy of Revival and Sustainability

Paolo's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for his land and a commitment to working in harmony with nature. His goal is to bring a new life to his vineyards and create honest, pure wines.

  • Regenerative Farming: He is in the process of converting his vineyards to organic and uses regenerative farming techniques, focusing on manual labor and natural methods to maintain soil health. He even uses probiotic bacteria decoctions to nourish the vines.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is hands-off. He uses native yeasts for fermentation and avoids fining and filtration.

  • Minimal Sulfur: He uses very low levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2​), or none at all, allowing the pure character of the grapes to shine through.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The vineyards of Le Terrazze del Canto are located on the hills of Bergamasca, a region in Lombardy known for its unique, amphitheater-like terraces.

  • Location: The vineyards are in the commune of Mapello, in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy.

  • Vineyard Area: A small, personal domaine of around 2.8 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: He works with a range of local and international grapes, including Moscato Giallo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Franconia, and other indigenous varieties.

  • Soils: The terroir is a mix of different soil compositions, and the vineyards are situated on single-row terraces at an altitude of 400 meters, which contributes to the wines' distinct minerality and acidity.

Winemaking and Process

Paolo's winemaking is a meticulous and thoughtful process.

  • Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested.

  • Vinification: He uses various techniques to create wines with a lively, vibrant character. For his Moscato Giallo, for example, he has experimented with long skin maceration in amphorae.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for several months before being bottled, allowing them to stabilize naturally.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Le Terrazze del Canto are known for their lively character, purity, and honest expression of the Bergamasca terroir.

  • Pirata: A red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon that is known for its robust and fruit-forward character.

  • Anfitea: A unique orange wine made from a long maceration of Moscato Giallo in amphorae, showcasing the grape's complexity.

Address & Contact

Le Terrazze del Canto is a small, personal operation. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: Via Alborghetti 6, 24030 Mapello (BG), Italy.