Castello di Luzzano Winery

The Castello di Luzzano is situated in one of most beautiful spots of the area. It sits astride a hilltop at 270 m straddling the border between the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia , with views over the hills of Oltrepo Pavese to one side and the Colli Piacentini to the other, and enjoys soils that support a large array of grape varieties and vield superb wines. But that's not all. Various archeological relics from the earliest time, which continue to come to light in the area from time to time, show that it is one of Italy's oldest wine zones. Even the wine of Luzzano itself was cited as far back as 1000 A. D., on a parchement-written document which is kept in the Castle. Later, Luzzano's grapes and wines were frequently mentioned as important constituents of the prebendal payments to the monastery of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro in Pavia, to which Luzzano has belonged for over 1000 years. The Fugazza family took over ownership at the star of this century. Currently, the estate extends over 120 hectares, of which 80 are DOC vineyard. The high quality wines, for which it has long been renowed, derive primarily from its mild, breezy climate, the marne-based soil and the careful selection of the best-suited clones. Wine are produced under two DOC: Oltrepo Pavese, comprising the classic reds Barbera, Bonarda, Pinot Nero and Rosso Oltrepo; and Colli Piacentini, encopassing Gutturnio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia and Chardonnay. The more prestigious reserve wines, matured in small, oak barels, reveal the dedication and love of the land that have made the owners, Maria Giulia and Giovannella, true "Donne del Vino" (Women of Wine). The hamlet that forms the estate has, apart from the Castle, a beautiful Church, built in the neo-classical style, traditional workers cottages and the old Custom house which, recently, has been turned as a inn with sleeping rooms and a stylish restaurant serving local food with the great Luzzano's wines. In these ancient surroundings, with its 18th century cottages fully renovated, visitors can stay in small, delightfully furnshed apartments, which they may use as a base for exploring the area, seeped in history and beauty. The Castle and its cellars are also available for those who wish to taste the estate's wine or deive more deeply into its production. Visits to the new cellar are enlivened by its collection of modern art paintings, while in the old, mediaeval cellar guests can relive the history of the estate, with its origins stretching back to Roman times. An archeological site, which is still being worked on, shows a Roman Villa dating 1st century A.D.

 



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