Chiara Condello - Le Lucciole is a project born from Chiara Condello’s deep awareness of being the custodian of a centuries-old winemaking tradition in the hills of Predappio, a small appellation in Emilia-Romagna. This area, rich in history and potential, has long been associated with Sangiovese, and Chiara’s work reflects her desire to offer a fresh and revolutionary interpretation of this unique and generous land.

Her vision is to craft wines that express the full potential of the vineyards, stripping away anything superfluous to reveal a pure and authentic Sangiovese that embodies her philosophy and creativity.Chiara chose a small plot of land on the edge of the woods in the heart of the Predappio denomination.

The vineyard, facing east at an altitude of 250 meters, is rooted in poor, clay-limestone soil enriched by Pliocene tuffaceous sandstone rocks known as Spungone. This unique geological feature, formed millions of years ago when the area was submerged under the sea, gives the wines their distinctive character. From this land, Chiara set out to create a wine that reflects its singularity, following a path of organic viticulture.

Her approach is rooted in respect for the environment, with manual labor, organic fertilisation, mechanical weeding, and minimal use of sulfur and copper in treatments. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the vineyard thrives in harmony with nature.In the cellar, Chiara’s work is guided by the principle of respecting the grapes and the natural rhythm that Sangiovese demands. The fermentation tanks are filled by gravity, ensuring gentle handling of the fruit. The winemaking process is designed to preserve the diversity and authenticity of the grapes, with spontaneous fermentations, long macerations, and, in some cases, vinification with stems.

The wine is aged in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks before completing its refinement in the bottle. This careful process allows the wine to fully develop its character, showcasing the purity and complexity of the vineyard.

The label of Le Lucciole, Chiara’s cru, is a collaboration with artist Francesca Ballarini. Each year, Francesca creates a unique design to tell a different story, reflecting the individuality of each vintage. This artistic partnership underscores the philosophy behind Chiara’s work: every bottle is not only a testament to the land and its history but also an expression of creativity and vision.

Chiara Condello’s wines have quickly gained recognition for their elegance and authenticity, with critics and collectors praising her as one of the most exciting young winemakers in Italy. Through her dedication to organic practices and her innovative approach to Sangiovese, she is helping to revive the winemaking traditions of Predappio while offering a modern and personal interpretation of this historic land.