Care for the Land
Pesce Lucia is the natural wine estate of Pier Ravera, located in the Spotorno countryside on the Ponente Ligure — the western Riviera of Liguria, where the Mediterranean meets the foothills of the Maritime Alps. It is a project rooted in a simple, profound intention: to take care of the land. Pier works with the indigenous varieties of this coastal corner — Pigato, the great white grape of the Ponente Ligure, and Granaccia (the local name for Grenache), the historic red variety that has been cultivated in these hills for centuries. The estate is situated in the Località Beisci area of Spotorno, in the province of Savona, on the slopes that rise from the sea towards the inland valleys. The terroir is defined by maritime proximity, sandy-loam soils, and a microclimate that balances the warmth of the Mediterranean sun with the cooling influence of the sea and the mountain breezes that descend from the Alps. Pier's approach is attentive, respectful, and focused on allowing the land to express itself through wines that are honest, authentic, and deeply connected to this specific corner of the Ligurian coast. The wines are made with indigenous yeasts, minimal intervention, and a philosophy that sees the vineyard not as a production unit but as a living ecosystem to be nurtured and protected.
Taking Care of the Land
The story of Pesce Lucia is a story of quiet dedication — of a vigneron who chose to return to the land and care for it with patience, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility. Pier Ravera is the heart and soul of this small estate, a winemaker whose philosophy is summed up in a simple, powerful intention: "to take care of the land it owns in the Spotorno countryside, in Liguria." This is not merely a statement of agricultural practice; it is a declaration of stewardship, of relationship, of a belief that the land is not a resource to be exploited but a living partner to be nurtured. Pier's work is rooted in the traditions of the Ponente Ligure — the western Riviera that stretches from Genoa to the French border — a region of extraordinary viticultural character where steep coastal hills, Mediterranean breezes, and ancient varieties have shaped wines of remarkable individuality for centuries.
The estate is located in Località Beisci, in the municipality of Spotorno, in the province of Savona — a coastal town of medieval origin that sits on the Gulf of Genoa, backed by hills covered in Mediterranean maquis and terraced vineyards. Spotorno is a place where the sea is never far — the Mediterranean provides constant ventilation, moderating temperatures and imparting a distinct saline character to the wines. The town itself is ancient, with a history stretching back to Roman times, and the surrounding countryside has been cultivated with vines, olives, and fruits for millennia. The name "Pesce Lucia" evokes the sea and the light — "pesce" (fish) speaking of the maritime soul of this place, "Lucia" of the light that bathes these hills from dawn to dusk. It is a name that captures the essence of the Ponente Ligure: a land of sea and sun, of steep slopes and gentle breezes, of wines that taste of the Mediterranean.
Pier Ravera's approach is natural, attentive, and deeply rooted in the specifics of his terroir. He works with the indigenous varieties that have defined the Ponente Ligure for generations — Pigato, the white grape that is the soul of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, and Granaccia, the local name for Grenache, a red variety of Spanish origin that has found a remarkable home in these coastal hills since the 18th century. These are not international varieties imposed on the land; they are grapes that have evolved with this place, adapted to its soils, its climate, its rhythms. Pier's viticulture emphasizes care for the soil, respect for natural cycles, and minimal intervention — allowing the vineyard to express its own character rather than forcing it to conform to industrial expectations. The result is a small portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Spotorno — wines of the sea, the sun, and the patient work of a man who chose to care for the land rather than conquer it.
Today, Pesce Lucia is recognized by Raisin, VinNatur, and a growing network of natural wine enthusiasts who seek out authentic, terroir-driven wines from the Italian coast. Pier's wines are not merely beverages; they are stories of a place, a philosophy, and a commitment to the simple, profound act of taking care. In an age of industrial viticulture and globalized tastes, Pesce Lucia stands as a reminder that the best wines often come from the smallest estates, the quietest intentions, and the deepest respect for the land. Pier is not merely a producer; he is a guardian, a caretaker, a believer in the power of patience and humility to create something truly authentic.
"The Pesce Lucia Agricultural Company aims to take care of the land it owns in the Spotorno countryside, in Liguria."
— Pier Ravera, Pesce Lucia
Spotorno & the Ponente Ligure
Pesce Lucia's vineyards are located in Località Beisci, in the Spotorno countryside, in the heart of the Ponente Ligure — the western Riviera of Liguria that stretches from Genoa to the French border. This is a region of extraordinary viticultural character, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the foothills of the Maritime Alps, creating a microclimate of remarkable balance and complexity. Spotorno itself is an ancient coastal town on the Gulf of Genoa, backed by hills that rise steeply from the sea, covered in Mediterranean maquis, olive groves, and terraced vineyards. The estate sits on these slopes, at an altitude that captures both the maritime influence and the mountain coolness — a position that allows for slow ripening, preserved acidity, and the development of complex aromatic profiles in the grapes.
The terroir is defined by its extraordinary maritime proximity and its sandy-loam soils. The Mediterranean Sea provides constant ventilation, moderating temperatures, reducing humidity-related diseases, and imparting a distinct saline freshness to the wines. The proximity to the sea — just a few kilometers away — means that maritime breezes are a constant presence, cooling the vineyards during the hot summer months and preserving the acidity that is essential for balanced, age-worthy wines. The soils are a mix of sandy loam, clay, and rocky fragments — well-drained, mineral-rich, and forcing the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. The result is a terroir of remarkable character: warm enough for red varieties like Granaccia to achieve full phenolic ripeness, yet cool and ventilated enough for the delicate white variety Pigato to express its full aromatic potential. The thermal excursion between day and night is significant, concentrating flavors and preserving the freshness that defines the best wines of the Ponente Ligure.
Farming at Pesce Lucia follows natural methods, with a philosophy that emphasizes care for the land and respect for natural cycles. No synthetic chemicals, no herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. Pier focuses on maintaining healthy soil, promoting biodiversity, and allowing the vineyard to function as a self-regulating ecosystem. The vineyard is surrounded by Mediterranean maquis — holm oak, cork oak, strawberry tree, heather, lavender, and wild herbs that perfume the air and contribute to the aromatic complexity of the wines. Cover crops are maintained between rows to preserve soil structure, prevent erosion, and encourage a rich soil life. The harvest is entirely manual, with careful selection of only the healthiest, most expressive bunches. Pier personally oversees every aspect of the viticultural cycle, from pruning to harvest, ensuring that the grapes that enter the cellar are of the highest quality and express the unique character of the Spotorno terroir.
The grape varieties are the indigenous treasures of the Ponente Ligure — grapes that have defined this coastal region for centuries and that express its unique combination of maritime influence, mountain coolness, and Mediterranean sun. Pigato is the great white grape of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, a variety of extraordinary aromatic complexity, structure, and saline character. It is related to Vermentino but distinct — often showing more pronounced floral and citrus notes, a slightly more robust body, and a particular affinity for the sandy-loam soils of the coastal hills. Granaccia is the local name for Grenache (Alicante), a red variety of Spanish origin that was introduced to the Quiliano and Spotorno valleys in the 18th century by local families who traded with Spain. It produces wines of deep color, bright red fruit, and remarkable freshness — wines that capture the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and the cooling influence of the sea. Together, these varieties form a focused portfolio that expresses the full range of the Spotorno terroir — from the crisp, mineral whites to the vibrant, savory reds — each one a pure, honest expression of place and Pier's commitment to caring for the land.
Località Beisci, Spotorno, province of Savona, Ponente Ligure, Liguria. Ancient coastal town on the Gulf of Genoa. Hills rising steeply from the sea. Mediterranean maquis, olive groves, terraced vineyards. Maritime proximity — sea just kilometers away. Constant ventilation, moderating temperatures. Significant thermal excursion between day and night. Slow ripening, preserved acidity, complex aromatics. Historic viticulture stretching back to Roman times. Medieval town with deep agricultural heritage.
Mix of sandy loam, clay, and rocky fragments. Well-drained, mineral-rich. Maritime influence imparts distinct saline freshness. Excellent drainage forces deep root systems. Sandy component contributes to aromatic complexity and elegance. Clay provides water retention and structure. Rocky fragments add mineral depth. Distinctive Spotorno character: freshness, minerality, maritime salinity, aromatic intensity.
Natural farming methods. No synthetic chemicals, no herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. Care for the land as primary philosophy. Healthy soil, biodiversity promotion, self-regulating ecosystem. Vineyard surrounded by Mediterranean maquis — holm oak, cork oak, strawberry tree, heather, lavender, wild herbs. Cover crops maintained between rows. Soil structure preservation, erosion prevention, rich soil life. Manual harvest with careful selection. Pier personally oversees every aspect. Small scale allows meticulous attention.
White — Pigato (great white of Ponente Ligure, aromatic complexity, structure, saline character, related to Vermentino but distinct, floral and citrus notes, robust body, affinity for sandy-loam soils). Red — Granaccia (local name for Grenache/Alicante, Spanish origin introduced 18th century, deep color, bright red fruit, remarkable freshness, warmth of Mediterranean sun, cooling sea influence). All hand-harvested with careful selection. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Minimal intervention.
Indigenous Yeasts & Minimal Intervention
At Pesce Lucia, the cellar philosophy is one of minimal intervention, indigenous yeast fermentation, and absolute respect for the natural character of the grapes — a commitment to producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of the Spotorno terroir, with no forced corrections, no industrial shortcuts, and no masking of the vineyard's voice. Pier Ravera believes that the best wines come from the lightest hand — from allowing the grapes to express their own character, guided by the terroir, the vintage, and the natural rhythms of fermentation. His approach is attentive, patient, and deeply respectful of the materials he works with. The result is a small portfolio of wines — Pigato and Granaccia — that are bright, fresh, deeply expressive, and unmistakably connected to the maritime breezes, the sandy-loam soils, and the Mediterranean light that defines the Spotorno countryside.
The techniques are minimal, respectful, and deeply informed by Pier's commitment to natural farming and authentic expression. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts — no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. The wines are unfiltered or minimally filtered, preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors. Sulfur is kept to a minimum or eliminated entirely, allowing the wine's natural character to shine without the masking influence of chemical preservatives. The choice of vessels — stainless steel tanks for freshness and primary fruit, possibly old wood for subtle complexity in some reds — is made according to the wine, the vintage, and Pier's intuition, always in service of the wine's natural expression rather than the imposition of a house style. The result is a portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Pesce Lucia — alive, authentic, deeply connected to the maritime soul of Spotorno, and to Pier's conviction that the best wines come from the most honest care for the land.
Pigato — The White of the Ponente Ligure: The Pigato is Pesce Lucia's white wine — a pure expression of the great white grape of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, made with the same honest, minimal-intervention philosophy that defines every wine at the estate. Pigato is a grape of extraordinary aromatic complexity, structure, and saline character — a variety that thrives in the sandy-loam soils and maritime microclimate of Spotorno, producing wines of remarkable freshness, floral intensity, and Mediterranean charm. At Pesce Lucia, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged with minimal intervention, allowing the grape's natural character and the terroir's maritime influence to express themselves fully. In the glass, it is straw yellow with greenish reflections. The nose offers citrus, white flowers, apricot, almond, wild herbs, and a distinct saline, mineral note that speaks of the Mediterranean Sea. The palate is medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish. It is a wine of great personality — the quintessential expression of Ponente Ligure white wine. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. Drink within 2–3 years for maximum freshness. ~€14–€20 / ~$16–$22.
Granaccia — The Red of the Coast: The Granaccia is Pesce Lucia's red wine — a vibrant, expressive wine made from the local name for Grenache (Alicante), a variety of Spanish origin that has found a remarkable home in the coastal hills of the Ponente Ligure since the 18th century. Granaccia is a grape of deep color, bright red fruit, and remarkable freshness — a variety that captures the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and the cooling influence of the sea in perfect balance. At Pesce Lucia, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged with minimal intervention, allowing the grape's natural character and the terroir's maritime influence to express themselves fully. In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The nose offers dark cherry, plum, wild strawberry, black pepper, and a distinct earthy, mineral note. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, silky tannins, and a long, savory, slightly spicy finish. It is a wine of great charm — approachable, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Serve at 14–16°C. Drink within 2–4 years for maximum freshness. ~€14–€20 / ~$16–$22.
Vessels & Ageing: Pesce Lucia works with a variety of vessels — stainless steel tanks and possibly old wood — each chosen according to the wine, the vintage, and Pier's intuition. There is no single formula; the choice of vessel is always made in service of the wine's natural expression. The stainless steel preserves freshness, primary fruit, and vibrant acidity — essential for the delicate aromatics of Pigato and the bright fruit of Granaccia. The old wood, if used, adds subtle complexity, allows for gentle oxygen exchange, and provides the structure necessary for more ambitious reds — without imposing oak flavors that would mask the territorial character. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, with minimal or no sulfur, preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors. The result is a portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Pesce Lucia — alive, authentic, deeply connected to the maritime soul of Spotorno, and to Pier's conviction that the best wines come from the most honest care for the land.
"Pigato" — "100% Pigato — Hand-Harvested from Natural Vineyards in Spotorno, Indigenous Yeast Fermentation, Minimal Intervention, Unfiltered — The White Soul of the Ponente Ligure"
The Pigato is Pesce Lucia's foundational and most distinctive wine — the white that encapsulates everything Pier Ravera believes about natural farming, indigenous varieties, and the transformative power of caring for the land. It is not merely a white wine; it is a testament to the beauty of the Spotorno terroir when cultivated with respect, the courage of a vigneron who chose to work with indigenous varieties rather than follow fashion, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. The name evokes the great white grape of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente — a variety that has defined this coast for centuries and that cannot be separated from this specific corner of the Mediterranean where the sea shapes everything.
The viticulture is natural — no synthetic chemicals, no herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. Pier focuses on maintaining healthy vines on the sandy-loam slopes of Località Beisci — creating an environment where the Pigato can express its full potential of aromatic complexity, structure, and saline character. The harvest is entirely manual, with careful selection of only the healthiest, most expressive bunches. The proximity to the sea means that maritime breezes are a constant presence, cooling the vineyards and preserving the acidity that is essential for balanced, age-worthy wine.
In the cellar, the grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts — no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. The wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve maximum freshness and primary fruit, with minimal or no sulfur added. The result is a wine that is alive, authentic, deeply connected to the place from which it comes, and to Pier's philosophical conviction that the best wines come from the lightest hand and the most honest care.
In the glass, it is straw yellow with greenish reflections — alive, vibrant, authentic. The nose is intense and complex: citrus, white flowers, apricot, almond, wild herbs, and a distinct saline, mineral note that speaks of the Mediterranean Sea's constant influence on the Spotorno terroir. The palate is medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish. It is a wine of great personality — a wine that proves that when Pigato is grown with natural care on sandy-loam maritime soils, harvested with patience, and made with honest minimal intervention, the result is a white of both immediacy and profound depth, of both pleasure and intellectual challenge.
The Pigato is a wine of the table and the mind — it pairs beautifully with seafood, Ligurian pesto, fresh pasta, grilled vegetables, or simply with good focaccia and olive oil overlooking the Mediterranean. Serve at 8–10°C. It will reward 2–3 years of careful cellaring, developing more honey, dried fruit, and mineral complexity. Every bottle is a testament to the power of maritime terroir, the beauty of honest winemaking, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land and the simple, profound act of caring for it. ~€14–€20 / ~$16–$22.
The Pesce Lucia Range
Pier Ravera produces a small, natural portfolio from his vineyards in Località Beisci, Spotorno, in the heart of the Ponente Ligure. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. Minimal or no sulfur. Unfiltered or minimally filtered. Fermented and aged in stainless steel — and possibly old wood for some reds — chosen to preserve natural character and terroir expression. The portfolio includes whites and reds — each one a pure, honest expression of the Spotorno terroir and Pier's commitment to caring for the land. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.
Pesce Lucia produces a small, natural portfolio from vineyards in Località Beisci, Spotorno, Ponente Ligure, Liguria. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. Minimal or no sulfur. Unfiltered or minimally filtered. The portfolio includes Pigato and Granaccia (Grenache) expressing the maritime character of the Spotorno countryside. The estate is located in the province of Savona, on the slopes that rise from the Mediterranean Sea towards the Maritime Alps. Availability is limited due to the small scale and natural production methods. Contact the winery directly or visit Raisin, VinNatur, and select natural wine retailers for availability. Visits by appointment.