Castello di Luzzano

Overview

Estate

Castello di Luzzano is a historic winery on the border of Oltrepò Pavese and Colli Piacentini, owned by the Fugazza family since the early 20th century. It comprises two estates: Luzzano, with 45 hectares in Oltrepò Pavese, and Romito, with 30 hectares in Colli Piacentini. An ancient Roman agricultural settlement, Fundum Lucianum, dates back to the 1st century AD and boasts over 2,000 years of viticulture.

Climate

The climate of Luzzano and Romito is temperate, with cold but not severe winters and warm, sunny summers. The temperature differences between day and night help slow the ripening of grapes, thereby maintaining their aromas and acidity. Breezes from the hills and balanced rainfall contribute to the production of elegant and structured wines.

Soil

Luzzano’s geology from the Upper Miocene features sandy marl and intercalations, producing full-bodied red wines that are ideal for aging and represent the territory. In Romito, sandy soils, clay, and silt yield soft, fruity reds and aromatic whites.

Vineyards

The vineyards span 80 hectares, ranging from 492 to 886 feet in elevation, with facilities designed for optimal exposure and ventilation. In Oltrepò Pavese, grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Barbera, Croatina, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet are grown. Colli Piacentini produces Chardonnay, Malvasia, Ortrugo, Barbera, Croatina, and Cabernet.

Cultivation

For over twenty years, the company has followed an integrated organic farming program (SQNPI) under regional oversight to minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers. All vineyards are grassed between rows and trained using the single Guyot method. Most grapes are harvested by hand, while some less steep vineyards are mechanically harvested with the company’s equipment.

Winery

The company bottles wines from its own grapes, selecting top vineyards that are harvested and vinified separately. Built in 1936, it has an underground cellar with vitrified concrete tanks and modern refrigeration. The 1985 bottling department includes steel autoclaves for sparkling and white wines. An ancient medieval cellar ages reserve reds in French oak barrels.

Family

The Fugazza family, historic landowners and industrial canners, acquired the Luzzano and Romito wineries in the early 1900s, with Romito's operations commencing at the beginning of the 20th century. They modernized their facilities and cellars. Maria Giulia and Giovannella, who grew up on the estate, took over the management: Maria Giulia focused on the vineyards and grape quality, while Giovannella handled the cellar and marketing. Since 1980, they have developed the Castello di Luzzano brand, gaining international recognition for their wines.

Winemaker

The winery benefits from Dr. Stefano Testa, who earned a degree in Oenology in 1987 from the Catholic University of Piacenza. He has worked with top wineries, such as Zonin, and served as technical director for La Versa. Now a freelancer, he offers consultancy to leading wineries in Oltrepò Pavese and Colli Piacentini, helping boost their success and contribute to their international awards.

Focus Point

• Elegance and character. • Craftsmanship and care. • Unique territory. • Conscious innovation. • Integrated sustainability. • International recognition.