Fattoria Ruschi Noceti

The Fattoria Ruschi Noceti winery is located in the Pontremoli countryside, in the province of Massa and Carrara. The project was born in 1978 thanks to the initiative of three siblings, Francesco, Carlo and Maria Luisa, who were passionate about viticulture and wanted to create a reality that would enhance the Lunigiana territory. Today the Fattoria combines the estates of a number of historic families who have been present in the area since the Middle Ages, such as the Pavesi, Ruschi and Noceti, from whom the new property has taken its name. In these lands, the history of viticulture has very ancient roots. Documents dating back to the mid-15th century have been found in the archives, which already mention vineyards. It is also because of this strong link with the past that Fattoria Ruschi Noceti has always wanted to preserve a typically traditional face, capable of expressing the authentic character of the terroir.

Fattoria Ruschi Noceti cultivates about 5 hectares of vineyards on the slopes of the splendid La Costa hill, located in the area south-east of Pontremoli, on the foothills of the Apennines between the Liguria and Tuscany regions. This is an area that is still characterised by an unspoilt natural environment, rich in vast areas of woodland and biodiversity. The vines face south-east and are almost all cultivated on terraces, cutting across the steep slopes in a cool, sunny climate. The terrain is composed of clayey soils, with a strong presence of gravel and often outcropping mother rock. Thanks to the mild climate and good temperature variations, the grapes reach an excellent level of ripeness with a good aromatic richness. Fattoria Ruschi Noceti's winemaking cellars are located in Santa Giulia, in a former monastery that lies along the route of the ancient Via Francigena, which in past centuries was the route of pilgrims travelling to Rome.

Fattoria Ruschi Noceti's wines are territorial expressions, which aim to promote and enhance especially the vines historically present in Lunigiana, including Pòllera, Luadga and also Durella. The company philosophy is focused on the production of wines with intense aromas and a mature profile. The harvest time is slightly delayed in order to have grapes with a higher concentration of aromas and sugars. Fattoria Ruschi Noceti has been particularly committed to the recovery of the Pòllera, which is a red berry grape that was once widespread, but then later replaced by the introduction of international varieties. The creation of a Vineyard Collection of Lella Lunigiana grapes in the park of Villa Pavesi Ruschi, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Pisa, is part of this project to preserve the ancient grapes. It is a way of conserving the heritage of the area, protecting certain minor varieties from the risk of extinction and offering an opportunity to relaunch their cultivation in the Lunigiana area.