Tenuta Santa Lucia Orange Crest 2022

Established in the early 1960s, the Santa Lucia estate is a result of merging the lands owned by the family patriarch with those of his father. This union created a substantial farm of about 100 hectares, with 12 hectares dedicated to vineyards. These vineyards, located 250 meters above sea level in Mercato Saraceno within the Savio valley, lie at the heart of Romagna.

Initially, like many estates of its time, Santa Lucia was focused on self-sufficiency, producing an array of products, including cheese, fruit, and wine. However, as the 1990s ended, the estate shifted its focus primarily to viticulture. This transition saw significant changes both in the vineyards and the cellars.

Today, Santa Lucia's vineyards are cultivated using organic farming methods. The estate employs the espalier system for vine training and follows Guyot pruning techniques. Embracing both organic and natural wine production, Santa Lucia has recently started experimenting with biodynamic practices. This involves considering the lunar phases in their viticulture and vinification processes. Such a holistic approach has yielded impressive results, further bolstering Santa Lucia's stature in the wine industry.

History

Emilia-Romagna's viticultural legacy dates back to ancient times, with both the Etruscans and Romans recognizing the value of the region's fertile terrains.

Subsequently, they initiated the cultivation of vineyards, thereby establishing the foundational pillars of the region's wine legacy. Over time, Emilia-Romagna welcomed various traders and settlers, and their collective contributions further shaped its wine traditions.

Terroir

Geographically, Emilia-Romagna spans from the expansive plains of the Po River to the rugged terrains of the Apennine Mountains. The region's climatic conditions, moderated by the Adriatic Sea, provide an optimal environment for viticulture. Its terroir, characterized by a composite soil structure of clay, silt, and sand, accentuates the uniqueness of its vineyards.

This particular soil composition ensures that grapes cultivated here encapsulate the region's intrinsic qualities, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of Emilia-Romagna.

Wines

Emilia-Romagna is a repository of diverse wines, with Lambrusco often being the most recognized. However, its offerings extend beyond this effervescent variety. The region's Sangiovese reds are emblematic of its profound wine-producing expertise, while the Trebbiano whites exhibit a distinct lightness and elegance.

With an increasing emphasis on organic and natural wine production, Emilia-Romagna is poised to be at the forefront of contemporary vinicultural innovations, underscoring the belief that wine is not merely a beverage but a narrative of its origins.