The Lamone river rises in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines and flows northeast to the Adriatic Sea. Along its path, it has carved a valley that creates a unique corridor between mountain and sea—and a distinctive terroir for winemaking.
Geography
Baccagnano sits on an ancient river terrace at about 100 meters elevation, where the first hills rise from the valley floor. To the south, the land climbs toward the Apennine ridge; to the north, it opens toward Faenza and the plains of Ravenna.
This position gives us the best of both worlds: the cooling influence of mountain air and the moderating effect of the distant sea.
The Soils
Our vineyards grow on blue clay (argille azzurre)—marine sediments from when this land was seabed millions of years ago. These soils are:
- Rich in minerals
- Excellent at retaining water through dry summers
- Challenging to work (heavy when wet, hard when dry)
- Responsible for much of the character in our wines
- During the day, warm air rises from the plains
- At night, cool air flows down from the mountains
The clay gives structure and longevity to the wines. You can taste the soil in every bottle.
The Microclimate
The valley creates natural air circulation:
This temperature swing—even 15-20°C between day and night in summer—allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining acidity. It’s one reason why Sangiovese and Albana can be so expressive here.
Winemaking History
Wine has been made in the Lamone Valley for centuries. The Romans knew this land; the medieval monasteries cultivated it; and generation after generation of farmers have tended vines on these slopes.
Today, the valley is home to the Brisighella DOC and falls within the broader Romagna wine region. While Romagna has long been overshadowed by its Tuscan neighbors, a new generation of small producers is proving that wines from these hills can stand with the best of Italy.
The Vena del Gesso
Just north of Brisighella, the Vena del Gesso Romagnola is a striking geological formation—a ridge of gypsum (selenite) that runs for about 25 kilometers. It’s now a regional park, offering hiking trails through a landscape of caves, cliffs, and Mediterranean vegetation.
The gypsum formations create their own microenvironments, home to rare plants and nesting birds. A beautiful day trip from Baccagnano.