Lupi, Liguria, Italy

The 'backward' narrative of Cantina Lupi forms in the 1950s before the first bottle was labeled or the first vine was planted. 

In the 1950s, Tommaso Lupi and his sister Pina established a bar-tavern in the Ligurian Riviera neighborhood of Oneglia in Imperia, the nucleus of Liguria's economy during those years, due to the oil commerce. Shortly after, their bar became *the spot*, known for the delicious provincial wines they had appointed. In the mid-1960s, Tommaso and his brother Angelo ventured to initiate their own Cantina in Pieve di Teco. They arranged a winemaking facility in an abandoned monk's convent that dates back to the year 1000 AD. The brothers began as negotiants, purchasing local grapes and making wines to significant success. In later years, they bought lands, grew their grapes, and created a label synonymous with Liguria. The winery was handed down to Tommaso's son, Massimo, who continued his father's way. In 2021, Marco and Giorgio acquired Lupi and will resume the Lupi traditions.

Pieve di Teco is located in the hills 20 km above Imperia and is home to roughly 1300 people. This picturesque medieval townlet in the upper Arroscia Valley is closer to the Piedmont border than the sea- but Liguria is a moon-shaped slice of heaven; the sea is always relative. The area is well known for Pigatto and Vermentino, though the Rossesse and Ormeasco di Pornassio hold a special place in the heart of mountain-dwelling Ligurians. 

When it comes to western Ligurian wineries, Lupi is a historical name. The area of Liguria, on the whole, is a more youthful winemaking area of Italy in terms of prominence. However, it is genuinely gaining recognition thanks to individuals like the unpretentious cousins. This Ligurian duo understands what a remarkable stretch of land they were born to. Jointly, they have purchased four wineries in the region, a farm, and additional lands for assorted projects. They aim to bring forth a farm-to-table Ligurian experience - from fruits and veggies to olive oil, salumi, and wine. Their farming style is as it was for their forefathers, with plenty of passion added, and their winemaking methods are steeped in tradition. The Lupi wines are produced with the same suggestion that Tomasso maintained in 1965- time-honored, correct wines made to express the Ligurian countryside and Riviera and, most notably, to enhance the delicious classic foods of the area (and beyond).

You can experience it for yourself with a traditional dinner at the winery's Michelin-starred restaurant, where our wines are expertly paired with local dishes to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Alternatively, you can discover Liguria hands-on at the farm's agriturismo.

WHO:
Cousins Marco Luzzati + Giorgio Guastalla

WINEMAKER: Alex Berriolo

WHERE:
Pieve di Teco • Liguria, Italy

FOUNDED: 1960’s

LAND:
10 hectares, 350 -500 meters above sea level

AVERAGE AGE OF VINEYARDS: 
Twenty-five years

VARIETALS:
Pigatto, Vermentino, Rossesse and Ormeasco di Pornassio
APPELLATION:
Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC

VITICULTURE: Organic