The Vineyard Cures Me
Podere Lucagnolo is the young, organic winery of Niccolò and Linda, nestled in the rolling hills of Calvi dell'Umbria in the Middle Tiber Valley, province of Terni, Umbria. Founded in 2019 by two young, enterprising, and courageous souls, it is a project born from a profound spiritual conviction — that the vineyard is not merely a source of grapes but a living force that heals, teaches, and connects. Niccolò's words capture everything: "It is not I who care for the vineyard, it is the vineyard that cures me." This is not a slogan; it is the entire philosophy of Podere Lucagnolo — a belief that wine is a spiritual bond with the earth, a true vocation of life beyond agriculture, and that the couple's work is to bring out from the vineyards the soul of the territory in its entirety. The result is a small but authentic range of structured, intense wines destined for long evolution — wines that tell the story of a composite and varied terroir, originally inhabited by the sea, and of the painstaking, almost entirely manual work of low bush vine training that defines every aspect of their viticulture.
Courage, Conviction & Spiritual Bond
The story of Podere Lucagnolo is a story of two young people who chose to listen — to the land, to the vines, to the ancient wisdom of a territory that speaks through its soil, its stones, and its silence. Niccolò and Linda are the heart and soul of the estate — a couple who, in 2019, embarked on a courageous journey to create something authentic in the rolling hills of Calvi dell'Umbria, in the Middle Tiber Valley. They are not merely winemakers; they are spiritual seekers, believers in the transformative power of the vineyard, and guardians of a philosophy that transcends agriculture to become a way of life. Their conviction is simple yet profound: that the vineyard is not a possession to be exploited but a living presence that nurtures those who tend it with respect and devotion.
The estate is located in Calvi dell'Umbria, in the province of Terni, in the heart of Umbria — a region of extraordinary beauty and viticultural heritage, often called the "green heart of Italy." The Middle Tiber Valley is a landscape of rolling hills, ancient settlements, and a terroir of remarkable complexity and variety. This is a land that was once inhabited by the sea — a geological history that has left behind a composite and varied soil composition of extraordinary richness. The vineyards of Podere Lucagnolo are planted on these hillsides, where the unique microclimate — influenced by the Tiber River, the elevation, and the sheltering presence of the Umbrian and Sabine mountains — creates conditions of remarkable balance and viticultural potential. The area has been cultivated since antiquity, and the spirit of this ancient agricultural tradition lives on in Niccolò and Linda's work.
Niccolò and Linda's approach to viticulture and winemaking is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a desire to produce wines that are a pure, authentic, and territorial expression of their unique corner of Umbria. They believe in bringing out from the vineyards the soul of the territory in its entirety — with minuteness and dedication, extracting and managing to tell in the wines the complexity of the terroir. This philosophy extends from the vineyard to the cellar: organic farming practices that nurture biodiversity and soil health; low bush vine training (alberello) that demands almost entirely manual labor; and hands-off winemaking techniques that allow the wine to develop its own character without forced intervention. For Niccolò and Linda, the wine is not a product to be manufactured but a living expression of the land, the season, and the grape — a reflection of the spiritual dialogue between nature and human care.
In 2021, Podere Lucagnolo began its conversion to organic certification — a demonstration of the great commitment toward the production of authentic and territorial wines, structured, intense, and destined for long evolution. Today, the estate is recognized as one of the most exciting young producers in the Umbrian natural wine scene — a winery that has earned the attention of natural wine enthusiasts, critics, and fellow producers who understand that Niccolò and Linda's work represents something rare: a fusion of youthful courage, organic viticulture, spiritual philosophy, and an unwavering commitment to letting the composite, varied terroir of the Middle Tiber Valley speak through indigenous varieties and carefully selected international grapes. Their wines — Lucagnolo and Suiccio — are not merely beverages; they are stories of a couple, a hill, an ancient sea, and a vineyard that cures those who care for it with devotion.
"It is not I who care for the vineyard, it is the vineyard that cures me."
— Niccolò, Co-Founder & Vigneron
Middle Tiber Valley & Composite Terroir
Podere Lucagnolo's vineyards are located in Calvi dell'Umbria, in the province of Terni, in the heart of Umbria — a region of extraordinary viticultural character that forms the Middle Tiber Valley, a landscape of rolling hills, ancient settlements, and a terroir of remarkable complexity. This is a land shaped by geological history — originally inhabited by the sea, which has left behind a composite and varied soil composition of extraordinary richness and diversity. The soils are a complex mosaic of clay, limestone, sand, and marine deposits, creating a varied tapestry of terroir within a single estate that imparts distinct mineral characters, structures, and aromatic profiles to the wines. The elevation of the hillsides, combined with the moderating influence of the Tiber River and the sheltering presence of the Umbrian and Sabine mountains, creates a microclimate of remarkable balance: warm days that allow for full phenolic ripeness, cool nights that preserve acidity and freshness, and a constant air movement that keeps the vines healthy and reduces humidity-related diseases.
The terroir is defined by its geological diversity — a direct result of the area's ancient marine history. The composite and varied soils are the defining characteristic of Podere Lucagnolo's wines, creating a complexity and depth that speaks of millennia of geological evolution. Clay provides body, structure, and the ability to retain moisture during the warm, dry Umbrian summers. Limestone contributes mineral backbone, fresh acidity, and the distinctive savory character that defines the estate's wines. Sandy deposits add elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity. Together, these soil types create a viticultural environment of extraordinary potential — one that produces grapes of concentration, complexity, and a distinct territorial identity that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The struggle of the vines in these varied soils, combined with the low bush vine training system, results in low yields and grapes of exceptional quality.
Farming at Podere Lucagnolo is certified organic, with a philosophy that goes beyond certification to embrace a holistic, spiritual relationship with the vineyard. Since 2021, Niccolò and Linda have been committed to organic conversion, demonstrating their great commitment toward the production of authentic and territorial wines. They do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods to nurture the soil and protect the vines. The focus is on biodiversity — on creating a vineyard environment where beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators thrive, creating a self-regulating ecosystem that reduces the need for intervention. The low bush vine training system (alberello) is a traditional method that demands almost entirely manual labor — from pruning to harvest, every operation is performed by hand, ensuring meticulous care and rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. This painstaking work is not merely a technique; it is a declaration of intent — a rejection of mechanization in favor of human presence, attention, and devotion.
The grape varieties are a thoughtful mix of indigenous treasures and carefully selected international varieties that thrive in the composite soils of the Middle Tiber Valley. The indigenous Umbrian grape — an autochthonous variety of remarkable character and territorial identity — forms the backbone of the estate's most distinctive wine, Suiccio. Montepulciano — the great red grape of central Italy, known for its depth, structure, and aging potential — is the primary variety in the estate's flagship wine, Lucagnolo. Barbera contributes acidity, brightness, and a distinctive cherry-like freshness. Sangiovese — the noble grape of Tuscany and Umbria — adds elegance, tannic structure, and aromatic complexity. Merlot — the international variety that has found a home in the warm, well-drained soils of Umbria — provides roundness, plum-like fruit, and approachability. Together, these varieties form the backbone of Podere Lucagnolo's portfolio — each one expressing a different facet of the composite, varied terroir, each one a pure, unadorned expression of place and the painstaking manual labor that nurtures it.
Calvi dell'Umbria, province of Terni, Umbria. Heart of the Middle Tiber Valley. Rolling hills with ancient settlements. Remarkable viticultural heritage. Moderating influence of the Tiber River. Shelter of Umbrian and Sabine mountains. Warm days, cool nights, constant air movement. Extraordinary viticultural potential recognized by young, visionary producers. Landscape of the "green heart of Italy."
Complex mosaic of clay, limestone, sand, and marine deposits. Originally inhabited by the sea — ancient geological history. Composite and varied soil composition of extraordinary richness. Clay provides body, structure, moisture retention. Limestone contributes mineral backbone, fresh acidity, savory character. Sandy deposits add elegance, finesse, aromatic complexity. Excellent drainage forces deep root systems. Distinctive territorial identity impossible to replicate.
Certified organic since 2021. No chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Focus on biodiversity and healthy ecosystem. Beneficial insects, native plants, natural predators. Self-regulating vineyard environment. Low bush vine training (alberello) — traditional method demanding almost entirely manual labor. From pruning to harvest, every operation by hand. Meticulous care, rigorous selection. Human presence, attention, and devotion over mechanization.
Indigenous Umbrian grape (autochthonous, remarkable character, territorial identity, backbone of Suiccio). Montepulciano (great red of central Italy, depth, structure, aging potential, backbone of Lucagnolo). Barbera (acidity, brightness, cherry-like freshness). Sangiovese (noble grape of Tuscany and Umbria, elegance, tannic structure, aromatic complexity). Merlot (international, roundness, plum-like fruit, approachability). All hand-harvested with rigorous selection from low bush vines.
Authentic, Territorial & Long Evolution
At Podere Lucagnolo, the cellar philosophy is one of hands-off, low-intervention winemaking — a commitment to producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of the Middle Tiber Valley terroir, with no forced corrections, no heavy manipulation, and no masking of the grape's natural character. Niccolò and Linda believe that the wine knows what it wants to become, and that their role is to guide, not to force — to bring in perfectly healthy, organically grown grapes from their painstakingly tended low bush vines and allow them to ferment, evolve, and express themselves with the minimum of human interference. The result is a small but authentic range of natural wines that are structured, intense, and destined for long evolution — wines that taste of the composite soils, the ancient sea, and the varieties that have found their home in this unique corner of Umbria.
The techniques are minimal, respectful, and deeply informed by the couple's commitment to natural expression and territorial authenticity:
"Lucagnolo" — The Flagship Montepulciano: The Lucagnolo is Podere Lucagnolo's flagship wine — the signature red that encapsulates everything Niccolò and Linda believe about organic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and minimal intervention. It is not merely a red wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Montepulciano when grown on composite marine soils, the courage of young viticulturists who chose low bush vine training and manual labor over convenience, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. Made from a blend based on Montepulciano — the great red grape of central Italy, known for its depth, structure, and extraordinary aging potential — it is a wine of remarkable complexity, intensity, and territorial character. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's organic low bush vines, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur. In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The nose offers dark cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, tobacco, and a distinct earthy, mineral note that speaks of the composite soils of the Middle Tiber Valley. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with firm yet elegant tannins, vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish. It is a wine of great personality — structured, intense, and destined for long evolution. Serve at 16–18°C. 5–10 years ageing potential. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.
"Suiccio" — The Indigenous Expression: The Suiccio is Podere Lucagnolo's most distinctive and soulful wine — a pure expression of the indigenous Umbrian grape, an autochthonous variety of remarkable character and territorial identity that captures the essence of the estate's spiritual philosophy. The name evokes the local, the ancestral, the deeply rooted — a wine that speaks of a grape variety that has belonged to this land for centuries, adapting to its composite soils, its climate, and the hands of generations of farmers. Made from 100% indigenous Umbrian grape, it is a wine of extraordinary individuality, structured intensity, and a kind of primitive elegance that can only come from a variety that has evolved in symbiosis with its terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's organic low bush vines, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged with minimal intervention. In the glass, it is deep ruby-purple. The nose offers wild berry, dark cherry, dried herbs, earth, and a distinct mineral, almost saline note that speaks of the ancient marine origins of the soil. The palate is full-bodied, with robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory, deeply territorial finish. It is a wine of great soul — the quintessential expression of Umbrian indigenous viticulture. Serve at 16–18°C. 5–8 years ageing potential. ~$22–$30 / ~€20–€27.
Vessels & Ageing: Podere Lucagnolo works with a variety of vessels — stainless steel tanks, old wooden barrels, and other containers — each chosen according to the wine, the vintage, and Niccolò and Linda's intuition. There is no single formula; the choice of vessel is always made in service of the wine's natural expression and its destiny for long evolution. The stainless steel preserves freshness, primary fruit, and vibrant acidity — essential for capturing the immediate character of the grapes. The old wood adds subtle complexity, allows for gentle oxygen exchange, and provides the structure and depth necessary for wines destined for long ageing — like the structured Lucagnolo and the soulful Suiccio — without imposing oak flavors that would mask the territorial character. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur added — preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors. The result is a portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Podere Lucagnolo — alive, authentic, deeply structured, and destined for long evolution in the cellar and in the glass.
"Lucagnolo" — "Montepulciano-Based Blend — Hand-Harvested from Organic Low Bush Vines in Calvi dell'Umbria, Indigenous Yeast Fermentation, Aged in Diverse Vessels, Unfined, Unfiltered, Minimal Sulfur — The Structured, Intense Flagship of the Middle Tiber Valley"
The Lucagnolo is Podere Lucagnolo's most celebrated and distinctive wine — the flagship red that encapsulates everything Niccolò and Linda believe about organic viticulture, natural winemaking, painstaking manual labor, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and minimal intervention. It is not merely a red wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Montepulciano when grown on composite marine soils in the heart of Umbria, the courage of young viticulturists who chose low bush vine training and almost entirely manual work over mechanization and convenience, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. The name carries the identity of the estate itself — a declaration that this wine is the purest expression of Podere Lucagnolo's philosophy, terroir, and spiritual bond with the vineyard.
The viticulture is certified organic. No chemical pesticides, no synthetic herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. Niccolò and Linda focus on maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem in the vineyard — creating an environment where beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators thrive, forming a self-regulating system that reduces the need for intervention. The low bush vine training system (alberello) demands almost entirely manual labor — from pruning to harvest, every operation is performed by hand, ensuring meticulous care and rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. This painstaking work is not merely a technique; it is a spiritual practice — a way of being present with the vineyard, of listening to its needs, and of allowing it to cure those who tend it with devotion.
In the cellar, the Montepulciano-based blend is gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts — no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. The vessels are chosen to allow the wine to develop structure, complexity, and the depth necessary for long evolution — stainless steel for freshness, old wood for subtle complexity and gentle oxygen exchange. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur is added — only what is necessary to ensure stability without masking the wine's natural character. The result is a wine that is alive, authentic, deeply structured, and destined for long evolution — a wine that proves Niccolò's conviction that the vineyard, when respected and listened to, produces wines of extraordinary soul and territorial identity.
In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections — alive, vibrant, authentic. The nose is intense and complex: dark cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, tobacco, dried herbs, and a distinct earthy, mineral note that speaks of the composite marine soils of the Middle Tiber Valley. There are notes of spice, leather, and a subtle balsamic quality that adds depth and intrigue. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with firm yet elegant tannins, vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish that lingers with a gentle earthy kiss. It is a wine of great personality — structured, intense, and destined for long evolution — a wine that proves Montepulciano, when grown organically on composite soils with painstaking manual care and made with minimal intervention, can produce reds of both immediacy and profound depth, of both pleasure and intellectual challenge.
The Lucagnolo is a wine of the table and the cellar — it pairs beautifully with rich pasta dishes, roasted meats, aged cheeses, grilled vegetables, or simply with good bread and olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C. It will reward 5–10 years of careful cellaring, developing more dried fruit, tobacco, leather, and mineral complexity. Every bottle is a testament to the power of composite marine terroir, the beauty of Montepulciano, the wisdom of low bush vine training, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land and the spiritual bond between the vigneron and the vineyard. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.
The Podere Lucagnolo Range
Niccolò and Linda produce a small, organic, natural portfolio from their vineyards in Calvi dell'Umbria, Middle Tiber Valley, Umbria. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested from low bush vines, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. No fining, no filtration. Only minimal sulfur. Fermented and aged in a variety of vessels — stainless steel, old wood, and other containers — chosen to preserve natural character and allow for long evolution. The portfolio includes two reds — each one a pure, honest expression of the composite, varied terroir of the Middle Tiber Valley and the couple's commitment to organic farming, painstaking manual labor, and spiritual connection to the vineyard. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.
Podere Lucagnolo produces a small, organic, natural portfolio from its vineyards in Calvi dell'Umbria, Middle Tiber Valley, Umbria. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested from low bush vines (alberello), and made with indigenous yeasts. No fining, no filtration, minimal sulfur. Vessels vary by vintage and cuvée: stainless steel, old wood, and other containers. The portfolio is focused and authentic — Montepulciano, indigenous Umbrian grape, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Merlot expressing the composite, varied character of this ancient marine terroir. Availability is limited due to the small scale, organic conversion (since 2021), and natural production methods. Contact the winery directly or visit Viniferi, Vivino, and select natural wine retailers for availability. Visits by appointment.
Contact Information
Email: podere.lucagnolo@gmail.com
Phone Number: +39 335 6755971 or +39 335 5936177