Sassignolo Riserva 2019 Santa Lucia Biodinamica

Sassignolo Riserva 2019 – Romagna Sangiovese DOC Superiore Riserva

A hillside cru that defines Mercato Saraceno

Sassignolo Riserva 2019 comes from the namesake vineyard located in Mercato Saraceno, in the Apennines of Romagna. At 250 meters above sea level, this site is a natural cru where Sangiovese finds elegance, energy, and depth. The clay-silt soil rich in stones gives structure and longevity. Each vine produces just one kilogram of grapes, ensuring high concentration and raw material with great potential. The resulting wine is complex, age-worthy, and fully rooted in its origin.

Precision and biodynamic care in the vineyard

Planted in 2000, the Sassignolo vineyard is trained on a vertical trellis with Guyot pruning, managed according to organic and biodynamic principles. Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates in early October, only after a meticulous ripeness check. Each bunch is double-selected—on the vine and in the cellar. The low yield per plant ensures ripe tannins and vibrant acidity, creating the ideal base for a long-aging Sangiovese with clarity, balance, and soul.

Natural fermentation and layered aging

After destemming, the must ferments spontaneously with native yeasts, preserving purity and complexity. Gentle punch-downs and minimal intervention allow the wine to evolve naturally. It ages for 14 months in used oak barrels, followed by 6 months in steel and 12 months in bottle—a process that ensures harmony and expressive precision. The result is a wine with an aging peak at 3 years and cellaring potential of up to 10 years.

Bold, precise, and balsamic

Sassignolo Riserva 2019 shows a deep ruby red with vibrant violet reflections. On the nose, it offers fine and elegant aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry, and ripe red fruits, supported by subtle earthy undertones. The palate is vigorous and structured, with polished tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, mineral and balsamic finish. A wine of depth and finesse, ideal for slow enjoyment and meaningful pairings.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Romagna Sangiovese DOC Superiore Riserva

• Vintage: 2019

• Grape: 100% Sangiovese

• Vineyard: Sassignolo, Mercato Saraceno (FC)

• Altitude: 250 m a.s.l.

• Exposure: North–South

• Training system: Vertical trellis, Guyot pruning

• Vines per hectare: 6,300

• Yield per vine: 1 kg

• Soil: Clay-silt with high stone content

• Harvest: Manual, early October

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts

• Aging: 14 months used oak, 6 months steel, 12 months bottle

• Alcohol: 15% vol

• Serving temperature: 19 °C

• Cellaring: Up to 8–10 years

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.