# Casa e Chiesa

- **Producer:** Tenuta Lenzini
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, black pepper, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Tenuta Lenzini is situated in a natural amphitheater in Gragnano, within the Colline Lucchesi region of Tuscany. Managed by Benedetta Tronci and Michele Guarino, the estate covers 14 hectares dedicated to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The name 'Casa e Chiesa' (Home and Church) derives from the physical position of the dedicated Merlot vineyard, which lies directly between the family home and the local parish church of Gragnano.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard sits directly on the path between the winemakers' family house and the local village church.
- Tenuta Lenzini is a certified organic producer and a founding member of the Luccabiodinamica association.
- The winemaking process avoids grape crushing and artificial temperature control to maintain natural fruit purity.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity, balanced tannins, and expressive fruit character of this pure Tuscan Merlot complement medium-weight savory dishes. Earthy mushroom pastas and roasted white meats match its structural freshness without overwhelming the palate.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested entirely by hand in small wooden crates, followed by complete destemming without mechanical crushing. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts in open vats without temperature control. Skin maceration lasts between 10 and 18 days. The wine ages for 16 to 24 months in stainless steel, concrete vats, and neutral large oak casks, followed by bottle aging. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with low added sulfites.