Lusenti Vini

Lusenti Vini is a small, family-run organic winery in the Colli Piacentini region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is run by Lodovica Lusenti, who has transformed the family estate into a haven for natural winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in the hills of the Colli Piacentini, near the town of Vernasca, in the province of Piacenza. This area is known for its rich clay and limestone soils.

• Family Business: The Lusenti family has been farming this land for generations. Lodovica took over the estate in 2000 after a career in fashion, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to natural viticulture.

• Philosophy: Lodovica's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for her family's tradition and a desire to make honest, terroir-driven wines. She believes that a healthy vineyard is the first step to making great wine.

Winemaking Philosophy

Lusenti Vini practices a hands-on, low-intervention approach in both the vineyard and the cellar.

• Organic Farming: The vineyards are certified organic. Lodovica avoids all chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, focusing on maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem.

• Indigenous Grapes: The winery champions the indigenous grapes of the Colli Piacentini, including Ortrugo, Malvasia di Candia, Trebbiano, Barbera, and Bonarda.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is non-intrusive.

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

  • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their full flavor and character.

  • No Added Sulfur: Lodovica is a champion of "Senza Solfiti Aggiunti" (without added sulfites) wines. Many of her wines are made with zero added sulfur.

• Skin Contact: Many of their white wines undergo extended skin contact, resulting in complex and textured "orange" wines.

Notable Wines

Lusenti Vini's wines are celebrated for their authenticity, vibrancy, and unique character.

• Ortrugo: A dry white wine made from the native Ortrugo grape. It's a key wine for the winery and is known for its crisp acidity and fresh, lively character.

• Malvasia di Candia: The winery makes both a dry and a sweet version of this aromatic grape. The dry version is often made with skin contact, giving it a complex, textured profile.

• "O" (Ortrugo Frizzante): This is a cloudy, naturally fizzy white wine (a pét-nat) made from Ortrugo. It is a signature wine, showcasing the winery's commitment to natural sparkling wines.

• Vino Rosso: A red wine made from a blend of Barbera and Bonarda, which is a classic blend from the region. It's a fresh and fruit-forward wine that is perfect for everyday drinking.