Albarara 2023 Santa Lucia Biodinamica

Albarara – Romagna Albana DOCG Dry

Philosophy in the vineyard and meticulous grape selection

From the “Roversano” vineyard, located at 400 meters above sea level in the hills of San Carlo, comes Albarara, a dry white wine made from 100% Albana grapes, an authentic expression of Romagna’s mineral soul. The sandy-calcareous soil with tuff veins enhances freshness and aromatic complexity. Every vine is balanced to produce no more than 1.5 kg of grapes, hand-picked in early September to preserve integrity and aromatic potential. Special attention is paid to phenolic ripeness to ensure healthy fruit ready for vinification.

Winemaking: respectful and precise

In the cellar, whole bunches are gently pressed to extract the purest juice. After a brief cold static decantation, the must undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 12 months in stainless steel tanks, with regular lees stirring, followed by a further 12 months of bottle ageing. This process builds a complex and harmonious structure.

Tasting profile: balance between warmth and freshness

Straw yellow with golden reflections, bright and vibrant. The nose reveals floral and fruity notes: yellow flowers (broom, wild chamomile), and ripe yellow fruits like peach and apricot. On the palate, it is dry, round, and warm, supported by a pleasantly fresh and savory finish. A Mediterranean wine with great balance and personality.

Style and ageing potential

Albarara expresses its full character after 2 years of ageing, with a longevity of over 6 years. Stainless steel aging (no oak) highlights the varietal purity of Albana, making it a true artisanal cru and a faithful expression of terroir.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Romagna Albana DOCG Dry

• Grape variety: 100% Albana

• Production area: Roversano vineyard – San Carlo (FC), Italy

• Altitude: 400 m a.s.l.

• Exposure: Southeast

• Planting year: 2004

• Soil: Sandy-calcareous with tuff veins

• Training system: Guyot

• Vines per hectare: 3,500

• Yield per vine: 1.5 kg

• Vinification: Whole cluster pressing, cold decantation, spontaneous fermentation

• Ageing: 12 months in stainless steel + 12 months in bottle

• Alcohol: 14% vol

• Serving temperature: 13–15 °C

• Peak drinking: after 2 years

• Ageing potential: 6+ years

Food pairings

Seafood salads, shellfish risotto, pasta dishes with fish-, cheese-, or vegetable-based sauces, omelets, white meats, boiled meats, aged cheeses.

Tenuta Biodinamica Santa Lucia

A story of land, family, and courageous choices

Tenuta Santa Lucia was founded in the late 1960s in the heart of Romagna, in Mercato Saraceno, in the upper Savio Valley. A hilly area rich in history and rural traditions, where winemaking has always been part of the local identity. The estate stretches across 100 hectares, 15 of which are planted with vines at 250 meters above sea level. Initially, farming was broad and self-sufficient: cereals, meat, dairy, fruit, and wine. But in the late 1990s, a decisive and bold step was taken: Santa Lucia chose to specialize in viticulture, following a clear vision rooted in identity and regional authenticity.

Agriculture as listening: biodynamic philosophy and respect for nature

Led by Paride Benedetti, the estate immediately embraced a non-industrial, ethical approach to farming. At its core is deep respect for the land and the varieties that grow naturally. The goal is not just to make wine, but to cultivate harmony between humans, nature, and landscape, rediscovering an ancient balance that feels revolutionary today. Only organic and biodynamic methods are used, rejecting chemicals and technological shortcuts. The vines are carefully followed through the seasons, listening to the soil’s living energy, avoiding any aggressive intervention.

Wines as pure expressions of the territory

In the cellar, every decision aims to preserve the fruit’s identity and the spirit of the terroir. No shortcuts, no compromises. Native grapes are at the heart of everything: Sangiovese, Albana, Famoso, Centesimino—ancient varieties that have adapted for centuries to these hills. Winemaking is minimalist, transparent, and non-intrusive: spontaneous fermentations, native yeasts, balanced aging, and no chemical corrections. The result is honest, vibrant wines that speak the language of their land. Each bottle reflects a single idea: Romagna, authentic and unfiltered.

A cultural resistance to homogenization

Santa Lucia is more than a winery: it is a cultural outpost. In a world driven by industrial globalization, the estate defends small-scale agriculture, biodiversity, and human relationships. Defending native grapes, protecting the land, and creating value locally are acts of resistance and responsibility. Wine becomes not just a product, but a liquid narrative, keeping the memory of landscapes and communities alive. Santa Lucia proves that another kind of winemaking is possible—and that it can be deeply modern without ever losing its soul.