La Lomellina

The winemaking history of La Lomellina goes back a long way and is linked, in a certain way, to the history of the urban development of the city of Genoa. It is said, in fact, that towards the end of the 1500s, six powerful families of Genoa, including the Lomellini, dedicated themselves to the architectural and urban renewal of the city. The custom was to build representative buildings in the city and own relaxing estates in the countryside, where one could spend holidays or moments of leisure. So did Giacomo Lomellini, the first owner of the La Lomellina estate. He had a beautiful estate built in lower Piedmont near Gavi, an area renowned for the production of good wine. The lands of the villa, however, were dedicated to the cultivation of many agricultural products except for vines. It was one of the descendants, Marco Lomellini, who was so enlightened as to plant the first vineyard for the production of grapes. His enterprise was then taken up by the new owner of the villa, Edilio Raggio, who at the end of the 19th century introduced the Cortese vine which is today the basis of the production of Gavi wine. Unfortunately, however, followed the years of the spread of Phylloxera, a parasite that destroyed vine plants. The Raggio family wasted no time and committed to replanting new vineyards to continue the winemaking activity which would continue, successfully, to the present day. The vineyards are managed with the care and passion that has distinguished the company's activity for centuries. Respect for the surrounding environment is ensured by the removal of chemicals and pesticides. The vine is grown respecting its natural cycle with appropriate pruning, defoliation and thinning of the bunches to keep the quality level of the wines high.