Illusione – KOI Winery

Overview

Illusione is a unique wine by KOI, a true expression of the Emilia territory. Made from Trebbiano Modenese grapes from 50-60-year-old historic vineyards, it stands out for its artisanal style and strong personality. Careful handling and natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts give the wine an elegant and complex balance. Bottle refermentation without disgorgement ensures remarkable longevity, making Illusione iconic for those seeking freshness, finesse, and an authentic connection to the land. Contains sulfites.

Wine history

Illusione was born from the experience of Flavio Restani and KOI’s artisanal philosophy. Only Trebbiano Modenese grapes from historic vineyards on medium-textured clay-rich soils are used, preserving the variety’s identity and expressing the territory. The innovative winemaking, including partial freezing of the free-run must, combined with natural fermentation, reflects the winery’s nonconformist and creative approach, blending tradition and experimentation.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyards for Illusione are 50-60 years old and cultivated following organic and sustainable practices. Grapes are left un-destemmed, and careful soil and vine management ensure optimal ripening and genuine terroir expression. KOI’s philosophy prioritizes respecting the natural rhythms of the vines and the seasons, favoring manual work that safeguards both the vineyard’s health and grape quality.

Cellar approach

In the cellar, 90% of the must ferments at controlled temperatures of 18-20 °C with indigenous yeasts, while around 10% of the free-run must is harvested and frozen. The wine remains on the lees until spring, then undergoes bottle refermentation without disgorgement. This hands-off approach, without filtration or fining, enhances freshness, elegance, and longevity, giving the wine an authentic and recognizable character. Contains sulfites.

Tasting notes

• Color: bright straw yellow with golden reflections.

• Nose: intense and complex, with white flowers, ripe fruit, and mineral notes.

• Palate: fresh and harmonious, delicate bubbles accompany a persistent, refined finish.

Pairing

Illusione pairs perfectly with baked fish, shellfish, and delicate appetizers. It also complements vegetable-based first courses and fresh cheeses, enhancing freshness and finesse.

Technical sheet

• Grape variety: Trebbiano Modenese

• Vineyard age: 50-60 years

• Soil: medium-textured with clay predominance

• Vinification: fermentation with indigenous yeasts, partial freezing of free-run must, bottle refermentation (no disgorgement)

• Alcohol: 12.5%

• Serving temperature: 10-12 °C

• Contains sulfites

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KOI Winery

The history of KOI

The KOI winery was founded in 2018 in Valsamoggia, in the heart of Emilia Romagna, by Flavio Restani, a passionate winemaker who, after years of experience with important Lambrusco producers, decided to start his own independent project. The name “Koi” recalls the Japanese carp, a symbol of perseverance and nonconformity, two values that define the winery’s identity. With only 3.5 hectares of vineyards and an annual production of about 4,000 bottles, KOI is a small artisanal estate that has gained recognition thanks to its authentic and courageous style. The choice to focus on local grape varieties and to preserve traditional forms of cultivation makes the winery a reference point for those seeking genuine and unconventional territorial expressions.

Philosophy in the vineyard

KOI’s vineyards are cultivated with a sustainable and organic approach, officially certified. The soils, of medium texture with a predominance of clay, host native grape varieties such as Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Maestri, Trebbiano Modenese, Trebbiano di Spagna, Pignoletto, Alionza, Albana and Moscato. The vines, between 30 and 50 years old, are mainly trained with the Bellussi system, an ancient and now rare form of trellising characterized by four vines arranged “in rays” around a central pole. This method, unsuitable for mechanization, represents a choice of cultural and agricultural resistance, preserving a precious ampelographic heritage.

Approach in the cellar

The winemaking process reflects the same artisanal philosophy applied in the vineyards. Production practices exclude any invasive intervention and are based on gentle whole-bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts only, no additives or preservatives, and no clarification or filtration. This radically natural vision gives life to vibrant wines with a strong territorial identity. KOI’s signature is especially evident in its sparkling wines made by the Ancestral Method, obtained through in-bottle refermentation, an ancient process that enhances freshness and authenticity.

Identity and values

The KOI winery is the result of continuous research that combines memory and innovation, tradition and personal vision. Every bottle tells the passion for the Bolognese territory and the will to offer sincere, uncompromising interpretations. By recovering old vineyards and respecting nature, KOI embodies a philosophy that does not chase quantity but focuses on maximum artisanal quality, maintaining a direct bond with those who taste its wines. In this way, Flavio Restani not only preserves a local agricultural heritage but reinterprets it with a contemporary language, keeping alive the most authentic soul of Emilia Romagna.