Lucciola Hosts Industry Lunch with Palazzo di Varignana
On December 5, 2024, Lucciola had the honor of hosting an industry lunch showcasing the new releases of mono-cultivar olive oils and wines from Palazzo di Varignana. The event, organized by Arnald PR under the leadership of the brilliant and passionate Giulia Perovich , brought together an inspiring community of food and beverage professionals, including caterers, wine directors, olive oil sommeliers, podcasters, importers, and high-end hotel operators.
Michele Casadei Massari curated a stunning tasting menu that celebrated the unique characteristics of each olive oil while presenting a bold challenge to the wines. This pairing highlighted the innovative essence of Varignana’s agricultural and enological pursuits.
I had the privilege of introducing the wines of Palazzo di Varignana, a young yet impactful reality in Emilia Romagna, where I belong. The winery is the vision of its owner, Carlo Gherardi, a successful entrepreneur in the financial sector, who, upon turning 50, decided to "give back" to the land his family calls home. His project began with the revitalization of the beautiful Varignana hills, located just outside Bologna.
A Vision of Sustainability and Community
Palazzo di Varignana seamlessly integrates hospitality and agriculture, creating a circular model that transforms the beauty of the natural landscape into a productive resource. Their commitment to sustainability is profound: they promote food waste reduction, support health and well-being, integrate ESG factors in their supply chain, uplift local communities, develop human capital, and reduce environmental impact.
The enological project launched in 2017 and focuses on producing exceptional wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Their current portfolio includes four wines:
- Villa Amagioia Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs
- Chardonnay Colli di Imola
- Sangiovese Superiore DOC
- Pinot Noir
The estate boasts 52 hectares of vineyards located in a natural amphitheater. The interplay of clayey rocks and limestone sands creates a mosaic of soils and a distinctive microclimate, maximizing sun exposure on the vineyards. This terroir allows the production of wines with remarkable biodiversity and historical depth, dating back to Roman times. The wines are vertical and clean, with low intervention and boosting a best-in-class cellar.
An Inspiring Gathering
Giulia Perovich curated a vibrant crowd of passionate professionals, while Cristina Gherardi shared the story of the Varignana family and their purposeful mission. The conversations around the table highlighted the industry's shared passion and commitment, acknowledging the challenging yet rewarding nature of this work.
As Chef Michele Massari insightfully remarked, the food and beverage industry is evolving into a sphere of significant social impact. Restaurants and food operations have transcended their roles as mere neighborhood commodities to become community, beauty, and luxury hubs. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, these spaces foster genuine emotional and professional connections grounded in shared values and experiences.
Thank you
This event was a testament to the dedication and vision of Lucciola's team, both front and back of the house. My gratitude extends to my partner, Michele, to Giulia Perovich, and to everyone who attended and contributed their passion to this remarkable occasion. Together, we are part of a movement reshaping our industry's narrative, creating spaces where culture, community, and culinary excellence intersect.
At Lucciola, we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, continuing to celebrate and uplift the values that make our industry exceptional.
The Wines
Villa Amagioia Blanc de Blancs Metodo Classico Brut
This sparkling wine is crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes grown in blue clay soils. It undergoes manual harvesting, grape cooling, direct pressing of whole clusters, and temperature-controlled fermentation. A second fermentation occurs in the bottle during the spring following the harvest. The result is a refined wine with delicate aromas and hints of sweet spices, offering a balanced, fresh, and savory profile.
Chardonnay Colli di Imola DOC
This Chardonnay thrives in the unique microclimate of Palazzo di Varignana, where the density of the soils and significant temperature variations between day and night enhance its aromatic potential. The wine is characterized by a bright yellow color and captivating white flowers, pear, and vanilla aromas, with subtle hints of candied fruit and minerals. It is creamy and refined on the palate, offering a good balance between acidity, body, and fresh fruit notes. Beautiful wine in my opinion
Villa Amagioia Blanc de Noirs Metodo Classico Brut
Produced from Pinot Noir grapes cultivated on sandy and clayey calanchi soils (typical of our region), this sparkling wine showcases delicate aromas intertwined with sweet spice notes. The meticulous manual harvest and cooling of grapes preserve the organoleptic characteristics, resulting in a balanced, fresh, and savory wine suitable for aperitifs and celebratory toasts.
Sangiovese Superiore DOC
This red wine embodies the strength and identity of the Emilia-Romagna territory. It presents aromas of cherry and subtle oak influences with a palate that balances acidity and tannins, reflecting the elegance and tradition of Sangiovese.
Pinot Noir
Cultivated in the unique microclimate of the Varignana hills, this Pinot Noir offers an elegant ruby red color with scents of violet and ripe dark-red fruits. Rose petals accompany the spicy, tobacco finish, creating a full-bodied and velvety palate with well-defined fruit and delicate persistence.
These wines not only highlight Palazzo di Varignana's dedication to excellence but also reflect the rich heritage and diverse terroir of the Bolognese hills. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement further enhances the authenticity and allure of their offerings.