Grapes Equal Wine
Tenuta Lenzini is the biodynamic estate of Benedetta Tronci and Michele Guarino, nestled in the Lucca Hills in the Gragnano area, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. It is a place of extraordinary history and profound transformation — a 16th-century property once owned by the illustrious Arnolfini couple, famously portrayed by Jan van Eyck in one of the most iconic paintings in Western art, later gifted by Napoleon to his sister Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi as a wedding present, and now the home of a couple whose journey of reconnection with the land began in 2007 with the birth of their first son, Filippo. The estate spans 22 hectares of land surrounding the manor house, with 13 hectares of high-density vineyards arranged in a natural amphitheater at 150–200 meters above sea level. The guiding equation is simple and unwavering: grapes = wine. Benedetta and Michele practice what they call "reasoned viticulture" or "emotional oenology" — a philosophy in which man's impact becomes non-existent and where nature takes shape and substance. The result is approximately 50,000 bottles annually of authentic, territorial, and deeply expressive wines that are "easily readable" — clearly attributable to the peculiarities of the territory and the land.
From the Arnolfini to Benedetta
The story of Tenuta Lenzini is a story of art, history, war, and transformation — a narrative that stretches across five centuries and connects some of the most fascinating figures in European history to a small biodynamic estate in the hills of Lucca. The property dates back to the 16th century, when it was owned by Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife — the same couple immortalized by Jan van Eyck in his 1434 masterpiece "The Arnolfini Portrait," one of the most famous and analyzed paintings in Western art. It was under their helm that vines were first planted on these hills, establishing a viticultural tradition that would endure for centuries.
The estate's history took another extraordinary turn in the early 19th century when Napoleon Bonaparte gifted the property to his sister, Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, as a wedding present. In 1800, Elisa planted vines on the site — specifically Merlot and Cabernet Franc, French varieties that were what she knew from her native Corsica and her brother's empire. The Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome, once crossed the lands of the Lenzini estate — and Napoleon's troops walked the same paths now cultivated with vines and olive trees. Napoleon himself is said to have walked these hills, a reminder that the history of this land is intertwined with the grand narratives of European power and culture.
The modern history of Tenuta Lenzini begins with Franco Lenzini, a man of great vision and love for the land. He restored the property — then in a state of ruin — so that it could once again be productive and receive guests. But it was when his granddaughter Benedetta, together with her husband Michele Guarino, embarked on a journey of transformation that the estate truly came into its own. The catalyst was deeply personal: in 2007, with the birth of their first son Filippo, Benedetta and Michele's outlook on life and work changed profoundly. They realized that their approach to the land needed to reflect their newfound philosophy — a reconnection with the roots of their territory that prompted first the conversion to organic farming, and then, in 2010, to biodynamic practices.
This transformation was not merely agricultural; it was existential. The birth of their son prompted a re-evaluation of everything — how they lived, how they worked, how they related to the land that had been in Benedetta's family for generations. They understood that the way they farmed had to mirror the values they wanted to pass on to their children: respect for nature, authenticity, transparency, and a deep connection to place. The conversion to biodynamics was not a trend or a marketing choice; it was the natural expression of a philosophy that had been gestating since the moment they held their son in their arms. As they describe it, their aim was to practice a philosophy in which "man's impact becomes non-existent, and where nature takes shape and substance."
Today, Benedetta and Michele manage the estate together, a true partnership in every sense. Benedetta inherited the family farm from her grandfather Franco in 2007 and has been the driving force behind the estate's transformation. Michele brings his own energy and vision, and together they have created a winery that is gaining important acclaim from critics and enthusiasts around the world. Their wines are described as "making a lot of noise" in the natural wine community — not because they are loud or aggressive, but because they are unmistakably authentic, deeply territorial, and profoundly moving. The estate is now recognized by RAW WINE, The Grape Reset, Raisin, and a growing network of international importers and retailers who understand that Tenuta Lenzini represents something rare: a place where history, art, philosophy, and viticulture converge.
"There are aromatic nuances that you do not expect; sensory alchemies that cannot be explained except by rediscovering the expressiveness of nature, the origins of a territory."
— Tenuta Lenzini
Lucca Hills & Amphitheater Terroir
Tenuta Lenzini's vineyards are located in the Lucca Hills, in the Gragnano area, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany — a region of extraordinary viticultural potential that has long been overshadowed by its more famous Tuscan neighbors but is now emerging as one of Italy's most exciting wine destinations. The estate sits in a natural amphitheater — a bowl-shaped depression in the hills that creates a unique microclimate of remarkable consistency and protection. This amphitheater shape shields the vineyards from harsh winds, concentrates warmth, and creates a thermal inertia that moderates temperature extremes. The result is a microclimate of extraordinary balance: warm days that ensure full phenolic ripeness, cool nights that preserve acidity and freshness, and a natural protection that allows the vines to thrive with minimal intervention.
The estate spans 22 hectares of land surrounding the manor house, with 13 hectares under vine at altitudes between 150 and 200 meters above sea level. The vineyards are planted at high density — a choice that forces the vines to compete for nutrients, driving their roots deep into the soil and producing grapes of exceptional concentration and complexity. The soils are diverse — a mix of clay, sand, and limestone — that gives the wines a distinct mineral backbone and a savory, earthy quality. The clay provides water retention and body, the sand ensures drainage and elegance, and the limestone contributes the mineral freshness that defines the estate's best wines. This diversity of soil, combined with the amphitheater microclimate, creates a terroir of remarkable complexity — a place where international varieties can express themselves with a distinctly Tuscan soul.
Farming at Tenuta Lenzini is certified biodynamic, with a total absence of synthetic products and a focus on building the vineyard's own biome. No chemical fertilizers are used — instead, the family relies on the natural fertility of the soil, enhanced by biodynamic preparations and compost. Treatments are limited to copper and sulfur in very small quantities, along with vegetal preparations that strengthen the vines' natural resistance. The family works tirelessly to build microbiological diversity in the soil, believing that healthy soil is the foundation of healthy vines and expressive wines. This commitment to soil health is not merely agricultural; it is philosophical — a recognition that the vineyard is a living organism, not a factory, and that the best wines come from places where nature is allowed to express itself freely.
The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. The family believes that quality is determined in the vineyard, not the cellar, and they spare no effort in ensuring that only the finest fruit enters the winery. The grape varieties reflect the estate's history and its ambition: mostly international varieties — Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon — that were first planted by Elisa Bonaparte in 1800 and have since adapted to the local terroir, alongside Vermentino and Sauvignon for the whites. The family chose to focus on international varieties because they believed these grapes could stand up to their benchmark examples when grown in the unique amphitheater terroir of the Lucca Hills — a bold choice that has been vindicated by the extraordinary quality and distinctiveness of their wines.
Lucca Hills, Gragnano, province of Lucca, Tuscany. 13 hectares in natural amphitheater formation. Altitude 150–200m. High-density planting. Unique microclimate: shielded from harsh winds, concentrated warmth, thermal inertia. Warm days, cool nights, natural protection. 22 hectares total estate.
Clay, sand, and limestone mix. Clay provides water retention and body. Sand ensures drainage and elegance. Limestone contributes mineral freshness. Diverse soil creates remarkable complexity. International varieties express distinctly Tuscan soul. Amphitheater terroir shapes unique character.
Certified biodynamic farming. No synthetic products. No chemical fertilizers. Copper and sulfur in very small quantities. Vegetal preparations for natural resistance. Focus on building vineyard biome and microbiological diversity. Healthy soil as foundation of expressive wines. Living organism, not factory.
Red: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon — planted by Elisa Bonaparte in 1800, adapted over centuries. White: Vermentino, Sauvignon. International varieties with Tuscan soul. Hand-harvested with rigorous selection. Belief that quality is determined in vineyard, not cellar.
Emotional Oenology & Reasoned Viticulture
At Tenuta Lenzini, the cellar philosophy is guided by a simple and clear equation that shapes every production choice: grapes = wine. Benedetta and Michele believe that the wines must be territorial and identity expressions — "easily readable," clearly attributable to the peculiarities of the territory and the land. This approach, which they define as "reasoned viticulture" or "emotional oenology," translates into a production philosophy that aims to enhance the characteristics of the terroir instead of the style of the winemaker. Authenticity, truth, and passion for nature are the key words that underlie every decision in the cellar. The result is wines where human intervention is as minimal as possible — where the vineyard speaks, and the winemaker merely listens.
The techniques are minimal, respectful, and deeply personal, shaped by the couple's biodynamic commitment and their belief that the best wines are those that most faithfully reflect their origin:
"Casa e Chiesa" — The Flagship Merlot: The Casa e Chiesa is Tenuta Lenzini's most celebrated wine — the flagship red that has become a calling card for the estate in the natural wine world and beyond. Named after the vineyard's location, situated between the family's house and the hamlet's historic church, it is a wine of extraordinary comfort, freshness, and salinity that captures the essence of biodynamic Merlot grown in the Lucca Hills. The vineyard is over 30 years old, farmed biodynamically on clayey and sandy soils with southern exposure. The grapes are hand-harvested and then subjected to whole-cluster foot stomping before fermentation — an ancient technique that adds complexity, allows the vineyard's earth to radiate through, and aids in the development of spice and texture. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in tanks without any temperature control. No clarifications, no filtrations, no addition of sulfites. The wine is aged for approximately 24 months in steel vats and porous concrete tanks — vessels that preserve the wine's rusticness, sincerity, and heartwarming artisanal qualities while adding a distinct mineral depth. In the glass, it is deep ruby-purple. The nose screams of dark-hued juicy fruit: wild blackberries, tree-picked plums, and cherries, alongside reminders of rich soil, foresty bouquets, and bits of milled pepper with wafting scents of underbrush. The palate offers mouthwatering freshness, with a rustic enlivened tannic texture that is captivating. It is a naturally gastronomic delight — perfect with rich pasta, grilled meats, or aged cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C. 5+ years ageing potential. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.
"Buscè" — The Syrah: The Buscè is Tenuta Lenzini's Syrah — a wine of dark, brooding intensity and Mediterranean warmth that showcases the variety's ability to express both power and elegance in the amphitheater terroir of the Lucca Hills. Named with a local term that evokes the wild, untamed character of the wine, it is a Syrah of remarkable depth, spice, and savory complexity. The grapes come from the estate's biodynamic vineyards, hand-harvested and foot-stomped whole cluster before spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The maceration is long, extracting the full depth of color, tannin, and phenolic compounds that Syrah is capable of. The wine is aged in a combination of steel and old barrels, developing complexity without the influence of new wood. In the glass, it is deep, almost black in color. The nose offers blackberry, black pepper, smoked meat, violet, and a distinct earthy, mineral undertone. The palate is full-bodied, with firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory, spicy finish that lingers for minutes. It is a wine of great personality — perfect with rich meat dishes, truffle, or aged Pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C after decanting. 5–8 years ageing potential. ~$22–$30 / ~€20–€27.
"Lenzini Franco" — The Cabernet Franc: The Lenzini Franco is Tenuta Lenzini's Cabernet Franc — a wine named in honor of Benedetta's grandfather, the man who restored the estate and planted the seeds of the family's viticultural legacy. It is a Cabernet Franc of extraordinary elegance, herbaceous complexity, and mineral depth that proves this variety — often overshadowed by its more famous offspring Cabernet Sauvignon — can produce wines of remarkable distinction in the right terroir. The grapes come from the estate's oldest Cabernet Franc vines, planted by Elisa Bonaparte in 1800 and tended biodynamically ever since. The harvest is manual, followed by whole-cluster foot stomping and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in old barrels, developing subtle complexity and softening its tannins without adding heavy wood flavors. In the glass, it is ruby-garnet with a gentle haze. The nose offers red bell pepper, blackcurrant, violet, graphite, and a distinct mineral, earthy undertone. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, layered finish that evolves from fresh fruit to dried herbs and mineral earthiness. It is a wine of both immediacy and depth — perfect with roasted vegetables, poultry, or soft cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C. 5–8 years ageing potential. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.
"La Sirah" — The Rosato: The La Sirah is Tenuta Lenzini's rosé — a wine made from Syrah that captures the variety's dark fruit and spice in a lighter, more playful form. It is a rosé of unusual depth and character — not merely a summer drink but a serious wine that speaks of its terroir and the family's commitment to natural expression. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed with brief skin contact to achieve a delicate salmon-pink color, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. The result is a rosé of remarkable freshness and complexity: delicate pink in color, with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, rose petal, black pepper, and a hint of volcanic minerality. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, subtle tannins, and a clean, mineral, slightly savory finish. It is a wine of great versatility — perfect as an aperitif, with salads, light pasta, or grilled fish. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$16–$22 / ~€14–€20.
"Artù" — The Red Blend: The Artù is Tenuta Lenzini's red blend — a wine that marries the estate's international varieties into a harmonious whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Named with a playful, almost mythical quality, it is a blend that captures the diversity of the Lucca Hills terroir in a single bottle. The composition varies by vintage but typically includes Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc — each contributing its unique character to the final wine. The grapes are hand-harvested, foot-stomped whole cluster, and co-fermented with indigenous yeasts. The maceration is long, allowing the varieties to integrate and create a wine of extraordinary complexity. The wine is aged in a combination of steel and old barrels. In the glass, it is deep ruby-purple. The nose offers a kaleidoscope of aromas: black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, pepper, herbs, and earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, layered finish that evolves with each sip. It is a wine of the table — versatile, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying. Serve at 16–18°C. ~$18–$26 / ~€16–€23.
"Leone" — The Vermentino: The Leone is Tenuta Lenzini's white wine — a Vermentino of crystalline purity, distinct minerality, aromatic complexity, and a savory finish that captures the coastal influence of the Lucca Hills. Named "The Lion" — perhaps for the wine's bold, assertive character — it is a white of remarkable personality and depth that proves Vermentino can produce wines of both delicacy and power. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's biodynamic vineyards, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures. The wine is aged on its lees in stainless steel, developing texture, complexity, and a distinct savory depth. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers lemon zest, green apple, white peach, almond, white flowers, and a distinct mineral, saline note. The palate is crisp, medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, a slightly textured mouthfeel, and a long, clean, mineral finish with a savory, almost bitter note that invites another sip. It is the ultimate Mediterranean white — perfect with seafood, grilled fish, or simply with good bread and olive oil. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$16–$22 / ~€14–€20.
"L'Altrove" — The Sauvignon: The L'Altrove is Tenuta Lenzini's Sauvignon Blanc — a wine of bright aromatics, citrus freshness, and herbaceous complexity that showcases the variety's ability to thrive in the Lucca Hills terroir. Named "The Elsewhere" — perhaps a nod to the variety's origins in the Loire Valley — it is a Sauvignon of remarkable expressiveness and Mediterranean character. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures. The wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve its primary fruit and fresh character. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, cut grass, boxwood, and a distinct mineral, flinty note. The palate is crisp, light to medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and a long, clean, slightly herbaceous finish. It is a wine of refreshing purity — perfect with oysters, goat cheese, or light salads. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$16–$22 / ~€14–€20.
"Vermignon" — The Vermouth: The Vermignon is Tenuta Lenzini's house vermouth — a botanical wine that bridges the worlds of viticulture and mixology, of tradition and contemporary drinking culture. Made from a base of the estate's own white wine, infused with a secret blend of local herbs, roots, and botanicals foraged from the biodynamic gardens and the surrounding hills, it is a vermouth of remarkable complexity and regional character. The result is a vermouth of extraordinary depth: amber in color, with a nose of herbs, citrus, spice, and a distinct winey backbone. The palate is rich, bitter-sweet, and complex, with a long, herbal finish that invites another sip. It is perfect as an aperitif, in cocktails, or simply over ice with a twist of orange. Serve chilled or over ice. ~$18–$26 / ~€16–€23.
Vessels & Ageing: Tenuta Lenzini works with a carefully chosen mix of vessels — stainless steel tanks, porous concrete tanks, and old barrels — a varied approach that allows Benedetta and Michele to choose the vessel that best allows each wine to express its unique character without being overshadowed. Stainless steel is used for the fresher wines like Leone and L'Altrove — preserving purity, preventing oxidation, and allowing the primary fruit and mineral character to shine. Porous concrete tanks are used for the Casa e Chiesa — adding subtle mineral depth, softening tannins, and developing texture without the influence of wood. Old barrels are used for the Buscè and Lenzini Franco — adding subtle complexity, softening tannins, and developing depth without introducing new wood flavors. The choice of vessel is always deliberate, always in service of the wine's natural expression. All wines are unfiltered, with minimal sulfur added only when strictly necessary — preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors.
"Casa e Chiesa" — "100% Merlot — 30+ Year Old Biodynamic Vineyard, Whole-Cluster Foot Stomping, Spontaneous Indigenous Yeast Fermentation, 24 Months in Steel and Porous Concrete, No Filtration, No Added Sulfites — The Soul of the Lucca Hills"
The Casa e Chiesa is Tenuta Lenzini's most celebrated and distinctive wine — the flagship Merlot that encapsulates everything Benedetta Tronci and Michele Guarino believe about biodynamic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and emotional connection to the land. It is not merely a red wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Merlot when allowed to express itself naturally, the courage of a couple who transformed their lives and their estate after the birth of their son, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the vineyard without excessive intervention.
The name "Casa e Chiesa" — "House and Church" — evokes the vineyard's location, situated between the family's home and the hamlet's historic church. It is a name that connects the wine to the place, to the daily life of the family, and to the spiritual dimension of their work. The grape is Merlot, a variety that has grown on these hills since Elisa Bonaparte planted it in 1800, and that has adapted over two centuries to the clayey and sandy soils of the Lucca Hills. The vineyard is over 30 years old — mature vines that produce grapes of extraordinary concentration and depth.
The viticulture is certified biodynamic. No chemical fertilizers, no synthetic pesticides, no herbicides. The soil is treated with biodynamic preparations and compost, and the family works tirelessly to build microbiological diversity. The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. But the magic begins before fermentation: the grapes are subjected to whole-cluster foot stomping — an ancient technique that crushes the berries gently while leaving the stems intact, adding complexity, allowing the vineyard's earth to radiate through, and aiding in the development of spice and texture. It is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and physical effort, but the result is a wine of extraordinary depth and authenticity.
In the cellar, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in tanks without any temperature control — the yeasts work at their own pace, creating a wine that is truly alive and expressive of its vintage. No clarifications, no filtrations, no addition of sulfites. The wine is aged for approximately 24 months in steel vats and porous concrete tanks — vessels that preserve the wine's rusticness, sincerity, and heartwarming artisanal qualities while adding a distinct mineral depth. The concrete's porosity allows for gentle micro-oxygenation, softening the wine's edges while preserving its vibrant fruit and earthy character.
In the glass, it is deep ruby-purple — alive, unfiltered, authentic. The nose screams of dark-hued juicy fruit: wild blackberries, tree-picked plums, and cherries, alongside reminders of rich soil, foresty bouquets, and bits of milled pepper with wafting scents of underbrush. There are notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a subtle spice that adds depth and intrigue. The palate offers mouthwatering freshness, with a rustic enlivened tannic texture that is captivating — medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory, earthy finish that lingers for minutes. It is a wine of great personality — a wine that proves Merlot, when grown biodynamically and made naturally, can produce reds of both comfort and complexity, of both pleasure and intellectual challenge.
The Casa e Chiesa is a naturally gastronomic delight — it pairs beautifully with rich pasta dishes, grilled meats, wild boar ragù, mature Pecorino, or simply with good bread and olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C. It will reward 5+ years of cellaring, developing more earthy, leathery, and dried herb complexity. Every bottle is a testament to the power of biodynamic viticulture, the beauty of Merlot, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.
The Tenuta Lenzini Range
Benedetta Tronci and Michele Guarino produce a biodynamic, natural portfolio from their 13 hectares of high-density vineyards in the Lucca Hills, Gragnano, Tuscany. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives, no filtration. Only minimal sulfur when strictly necessary. The portfolio includes reds, a rosé, whites, and vermouth — each one an honest, territorial expression of the Lucca Hills amphitheater terroir and the family's "grapes = wine" philosophy. Annual production: approximately 50,000 bottles. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.
Tenuta Lenzini produces approximately 50,000 bottles annually from 13 hectares of biodynamic, high-density vineyards in the Lucca Hills. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. Availability varies by vintage and market. Contact the winery directly or visit select retailers including Callmewine, Clickwine, Off Piste Wine, Mitchell & Son, Barsotti Wines, Wanderlust Wine, and Radici Natural Wines for current availability. The estate is located in Capannori, Lucca. Visits by appointment.