Welcome to the captivating world of Palazzo di Varignana, where history, land, and winemaking excellence converge.

In this interview with Eleonora Berardi, Head of Sales & Marketing Food Division at Palazzo di Varignana, we delve into the fascinating story behind this esteemed winery. Join us as we explore their unique approach to wine production and the exceptional Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut.

xtraWine (XW): Good morning, Eleonora. We are thrilled to have you here to discuss the enchanting world of Palazzo di Varignana and xtraWine’s online wine catalogue. To begin, could you tell us a bit about the company?

Eleonora Berardi (EB): Good morning and thank you for having me. Palazzo di Varignana was established in 2013 through the restoration of Palazzo Bentivoglio, an ancient villa dating back to 1705, where we preserved the charm of its history. Over time, our hospitality project expanded and diversified, incorporating the agricultural aspect in 2015. Our aim was not only to transform the natural beauty of the landscape into a contemplative resource but also to revive ancient native crops and create a genuine circular model. This led us to develop a passion for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil and wines, which you can find in xtraWine’s online wine catalogue.

In the early years, we discovered that centuries-old olive groves surrounded the resort, steeped in history and tradition. Through extensive historical research, we learned that the hills of Bologna, particularly Varignana, produced excellent quality extra virgin olive oil. This piqued our curiosity and motivated us to dedicate time and effort to studying the territory and its offerings.

A few years later, we made an equally exciting discovery: the presence of splendid vineyards, true natural amphitheaters of both native and international grape varieties. One particular gem that captured our attention was Sangiovese, an authentic treasure of the Italian terroir. Furthermore, through a detailed analysis of the Bolognese terroir, we found that these hills also bring out the best qualities of Pinot Noir.

With the enthusiasm and passion that define us, we embarked on an extraordinary project: the “Amphitheater by the Lake,” nestled among the vineyards. This natural space is a genuine treasure, perfect for enchanting open-air concerts and events where visitors can savor our wines produced in the 35 hectares of surrounding vineyards or our oils made from olive trees cultivated on the nearby slopes.

XW: It’s truly fascinating how you’ve transformed a historic location into a comprehensive experience rooted in the land and traditions. Could you tell us about one of the wines that you consider particularly significant for Palazzo di Varignana and xtraWine’s online wine catalogue?

EB: Certainly! One of our most representative wines is the Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut. This wine is the result of entirely manual harvests, where each cluster is carefully selected. The grapes are then cooled to preserve their organoleptic characteristics, especially during warmer years when maintaining freshness becomes even more crucial.

The Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut authentically represents the territory from which it originates. The vineyards that produce this wine are located on sandy and clayey calanchi soils, giving it a unique and distinctive profile with delicate aromas and hints of sweet spices, creating a balanced, fresh, and savory wine. It’s a versatile wine suitable for both an aperitif and celebratory toasts.

XW: Eleonora, thank you for sharing the history and successes of Palazzo di Varignana with us. We are excited to feature the Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut in xtraWine’s online wine catalogue. Can you tell our readers a bit more about its tasting profile and any notable accolades it has received?

EB: Absolutely! The Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut boasts a refined tasting profile that wine enthusiasts will appreciate. On the nose, it reveals delicate aromas that intertwine seamlessly with hints of sweet spices, creating an alluring bouquet. On the palate, it offers a perfect balance of freshness and savory notes, making it a truly enjoyable wine to savor.

As for accolades, the Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut has garnered recognition within the industry. It has received accolades such as the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge and the 92-point rating from reputable wine critics. These accolades are a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that go into every bottle.

XW: That’s impressive! Our readers will certainly be enticed by the Villa Amagioia Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs Brut’s exquisite profile and prestigious accolades. Eleonora, thank you for taking the time to share the story of Palazzo di Varignana and its remarkable wines with us. We look forward to featuring them in xtraWine’s online wine catalogue and introducing our customers to the enchantment they offer.

EB: Thank you for having me, and we are delighted to be a part of xtraWine’s online wine catalogue. We invite wine enthusiasts to experience the fusion of history, territory, and winemaking excellence at Palazzo di Varignana through the remarkable wines we produce.

Cheers to the captivating world of Palazzo di Varignana and the pleasure of enjoying extraordinary wines!