In the rolling vineyards of Montecchio Emilia, Tenuta la Piccola has been crafting exceptional wines since 1967, blending deep-rooted tradition with a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability. Today, the estate is led by Giuseppe Fontana, a passionate and larger-than-life winemaker whose dedication to his craft is as vibrant as the wines he produces. With an infectious enthusiasm and a relentless pursuit of quality, Giuseppe oversees every step of production-from the early morning hand harvest, where only the finest clusters are selected, to the cellar, where meticulous techniques bring out the essence of each grape. Working with universities to refine vineyard practices, Tenuta la Piccola employs divers training methods to coax the best from their gravely soils. Specializing in Lambrusco, their wines undergo a delicate yet intentional process- 5 to 7 days of maceration, gentle pumpovers, and racking while fermentation is still alive - resulting in expressive, aromatic, and elegantly structured wines. Producing 85,000 bottles annually, Tenuta la Piccola captures the pure essence of Emilio-Romagna, offering both sparkling and still wines that radiate energy and finesse. Their philosophy of 'elegant farming' shines through in every sip, where tradition, innovation, and Giuseppe's unmistakable personality come together in a glass of pure Italian character.
A NOTE ABOUT THE LABELS:
At Tenuta la Piccola, the wine labels are just as full of character as the wines themselves—thanks to a mix of history, artistry, and a little bit of luck. Back in the day, a young painter named Lino Frongia was living on the estate but didn’t have the money to pay rent. Instead, Giuseppe’s father, Licinio (aka "Cio"), struck a deal—vineyards and art made a fine trade. One of those paintings? A 16th-century-style portrait of Licinio himself, capturing his unmistakable expression. To this day, Giuseppe swears that if he turns just right, he and his father are identical.
As Lino’s skill grew, so did his reputation—he’s now a master at creating museum-quality reproductions (and he may have seen some trouble for it a time or two). But those old paintings stuck around, and they’ve become the faces of Tenuta la Piccola’s wines. Nero di Cio proudly bears the portrait of Giuseppe’s father, while Picol Ross is matched with a severe and noble figure, perfectly fitting for this rare, historic Lambrusco. The Malvasia wines feature a well-groomed Florentine banker—an androgynous figure chosen to represent the many faces of Malvasia, a grape that can be white or red, still or sparkling, dry or sweet.
The result? A lineup of wines with labels that are striking, storied, and impossible to ignore.
At Tenuta la Piccola, the wine labels are just as full of character as the wines themselves—thanks to a mix of history, artistry, and a little bit of luck. Back in the day, a young painter named Lino Frongia was living on the estate but didn’t have the money to pay rent. Instead, Giuseppe’s father, Licinio (aka "Cio"), struck a deal—vineyards and art made a fine trade. One of those paintings? A 16th-century-style portrait of Licinio himself, capturing his unmistakable expression. To this day, Giuseppe swears that if he turns just right, he and his father are identical.
As Lino’s skill grew, so did his reputation—he’s now a master at creating museum-quality reproductions (and he may have seen some trouble for it a time or two). But those old paintings stuck around, and they’ve become the faces of Tenuta la Piccola’s wines. Nero di Cio proudly bears the portrait of Giuseppe’s father, while Picol Ross is matched with a severe and noble figure, perfectly fitting for this rare, historic Lambrusco. The Malvasia wines feature a well-groomed Florentine banker—an androgynous figure chosen to represent the many faces of Malvasia, a grape that can be white or red, still or sparkling, dry or sweet.
The result? A lineup of wines with labels that are striking, storied, and impossible to ignore.
tenuta la piccola lambrusch dal picol ross
100% picol ross The Tenuta la Piccola Picol Ross is a rare and historic expression of Lambrusco, made from an ancient variety nearly lost to time. Once successfully vinified until the 1940s, Picol Ross was abandoned in favor of higher-yielding grapes—until Licinio Fontana’s dedicated preservation efforts in the 1970s saved it from extinction. This remarkable wine now celebrates 50 years of continuous production. Sourced from 60-year-old vines and hand-harvested at the end of August, the grapes undergo a 15-day fermentation (5-7 days on skins) with gentle pump-overs, but no malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural vibrancy. Bottled young with no aging, Picol Ross bursts with energy—ripe red berries, wild herbs, and a touch of spice leap from the glass, while its lively acidity and fresh, juicy structure make it an exhilarating and truly one-of-a-kind Lambrusco. 
tenuta la piccola malvasia secca
100% malvasia aromatica di candia The Tenuta la Piccola Malvasia Secca is a strikingly aromatic and textural dry white wine, crafted from carefully managed vineyards where different pruning techniques shape the balance of acidity, structure, and complexity. Fermented entirely in stainless steel over the course of two weeks, the wine sees no malolactic fermentation or extended aging, preserving its fresh and vibrant character. In the glass, its golden-orange hue hints at the depth of flavor within—layered with ripe citrus, white flowers, and exotic spice. The palate is dense and lifted at the same time, with a beautifully weighty texture that remains light with its crisp acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Expressive yet incredibly drinkable, Malvasia Secca is an ideal companion for a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood to rich, herb-driven cuisine. |
tenuta la piccol lambrusco nero di cio
malbo gentile, maestri, salamino The Tenuta la Piccola ‘Nero di Cio’ Lambrusco is a vibrant and expressive sparkling red that showcases a blend of equal parts of classic indigenous varieties of the area: Malbo Gentile (which contributes a beautiful aromatic profile with dark fruit), Maestri (adding structure and a slight savory depth), and Salamino (offering fresh acidity and a lively, juicy mouthfeel). After about a week of fermentation with the skins in stainless steel, the wine is gently racked to continue its fermentation, preserving its fresh and lively character. With no extended aging, it is meant to be enjoyed in its first couple of years, capturing the bright fruitiness of ripe blackberries, cherries, and touches of purple violets. The effervescence enhances the vibrant flavors, while a crisp, mineral-driven finish keeps it refreshing and perfect for pairing with food or sipping on its own. 
tenuta la piccola malvasia dolce
100% malvasia aromatica di candia The Tenuta la Piccola Malvasia Dolce is a beautifully expressive and aromatic sweet wine, crafted through a careful balance of vineyards with different pruning techniques. This approach allows for a harmonious blend of grapes with varying levels of acidity, alcohol, and ripeness, creating a wine of remarkable complexity. Fermented entirely in stainless steel for just under two weeks, the fermentation is halted at the ideal moment to preserve the perfect touch of residual sugar. With no malolactic fermentation or extended aging, Malvasia Dolce is meant to be enjoyed young and fresh. Its golden-orange hue hints at the bold and heady aromas within—bursting with ripe citrus, tropical fruit, and delicate floral notes. The palate is vibrant and silky, offering a luscious yet refreshing mouthfeel that lingers with a beautifully balanced sweetness. Perfect on its own or alongside fruit-based desserts and soft cheeses, this is an irresistibly charming expression of Malvasia. |