Stay on a historic castle estate in Italy. This accommodation near Piacenza and Pavia, Italy, is situated in one of most beautiful spots of the area, and offers apartments and rooms for every size of party.
Visits to the new cellar are enlivened by its collection of modern art, while in the old, medieval cellar guests can relive the history of the estate, with its origins stretching back to Roman times. An archeological site, still being worked on, shows a Roman Villa from the First Century AD.
The Giovanella sisters have won many plaudits for their work here. Nicolas Belfrage, Master of Wine, said: “Today many estates are emerging from the anonymity of bulk production. A model estate of the new order is this one (actually two, one in Oltrepò Pavese and one in Colli Piacentini) run entirely by sisters Giovannella and Maria Giulia Fugazza.” Maureen Ashley, Master of Wine, commented: “The sisters Fugazza’s wines become better every year.” And Gitte Hindholm, in the the book Italiens Vine talked of “a historical cellar in the hands of two modern women”. Even the late, great Frank Sinatra was a grateful recipient, writing “Thank you very much for thinking of us with the marvellous sparkling wine. We all enjoyed it and I appreciate your being so kind, thoughtful and generous. It was great!” This accommodation near Piacenza and Pavia, not only allows you to stay on a historic castle estate in Italy, but to sample some of its best vintages.
The peculiar combination of climate, soil and good husbandry produces some of Italy’s finest wines here. Bonardo DOC is a sparkling wine of brilliant ruby hue, intense raspberry perfume and a dry nose of great elegance. Luzzano 270 Rosso OP Riserva is elegant and soft with a vinous bouquet. A red colour with violet notes, this wine is very intense. Carlino Bonarda DOC appears dark ruby red, clear with light violet notes. The aroma is intense and penetrating, with a light violet perfume. The taste is dry, savoury and slightly tannic with great persistence of bouquet. Then there is Oreste Barbera DOC, a red wine with intense perfume, evoking liquorice and hedgerow fruits, dry tasting and full-bodied.
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White sparkling wines include Malvasia DOC, with its light straw colour, intense perfume and full sweet taste. The dry Malvasia has a characteristic and intense aroma of acacia and green apple.
Romeo Gutturnio DOC is a wine of elegance and harmony, with a light oak bouquet. While Romito Chardonnay Sauvignon DOC is a sparkling white with a cool, sharp flavour.
Just a selection of the vintages available here – you can buy direct from Luzzano or ask your hosts and they will indicate your nearest retailer.
