La Piana Winery: A legacy rooted in tradition and innovation
Located in Castelvetro di Modena, in the first hills of Modena, La Piana Winery has its origins in a strong and deep-rooted family farming tradition. The winery’s story began in 1951 when Cesare Gianaroli, driven by his deep connection to the land, started cultivating and transforming the grapes from his vineyard in the heart of the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP region. This was more than just a business—it was the beginning of a family legacy.
Tragically, the leadership of the winery passed to his son Graziano, who suddenly passed away in 1992. This left the future of the winery in the hands of a determined young boy, Mirco, who at just 14 years old, stepped into the vineyard with a mission: to honor his father’s memory and carry forward the family passion. Despite his age, Mirco’s commitment to the winery was unwavering. He began working tirelessly among the vines, gradually taking the reins of the business, modernizing the cellar with the best technologies, and transforming the vineyards.
Today, La Piana Winery spans 8 hectares of vineyards between Castelvetro and Vignola, producing approximately 60,000 bottles distributed across 12 organic labels. The winery’s commitment to sustainability is also evident, as it generates 70% of its energy from self-produced clean energy, thanks to a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, with the goal of reaching 100% by early 2025.
At the heart of La Piana’s philosophy is a deep respect for the land and its native vines. Mirco and his team cultivate local varieties such as Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Pignoletto, Malbo Gentile, and Trebbiano di Modena. These grapes are not merely a crop; they are the embodiment of the region’s unique terroir. La Piana Winery follows organic practices from the vineyard to the cellar, promoting sustainable agriculture that respects the environment and aims to produce exceptional wines.
The Winemaker: Mirco Gianaroli
At the heart of La Piana Winery is Mirco Gianaroli, a winemaker whose journey began at an age when most are just discovering the world. Thrust into the role of leading his family’s legacy at just 14 years old. Rather than shy away from the responsibility, Mirco embraced it with a determination that has since defined his career and the evolution of La Piana.
Mirco’s approach to winemaking is deeply personal. Raised among the vines of Castelvetro di Modena, he learned early on that wine is much more than a product—it is a reflection of the land, the seasons, and the care with which it is crafted. His father’s teachings and the wisdom passed down through generations of his family have instilled in him a profound respect for traditional methods, yet Mirco is not one to resist progress.
Under his leadership, La Piana Winery has seen significant modernization, with state-of-the-art technology enhancing the production process while remaining true to the organic principles that are at the core of his philosophy. Mirco’s dedication to sustainability is unwavering; he has transformed La Piana into a model of environmentally responsible winemaking, with a commitment to clean energy and organic farming practices that protect and honor the land.
Mirco’s hands-on approach is evident in every aspect of the winemaking process, from the meticulous care of the vineyards to the careful selection of grapes and the nuanced techniques used in the cellar. For Mirco, each bottle of wine is a labor of love, a testament to the resilience and passion that have driven him from a young age.
Through years of hard work and an unyielding commitment to quality, Mirco has earned the respect and admiration of wine lovers both in Italy and abroad. His wines, much like the man himself, are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in the rich history of his family yet always looking toward the future.
Mirco Gianaroli is not just the winemaker at La Piana—he is the guardian of a legacy, a steward of the land, and a visionary who continues to push the boundaries of what great wine can be.
"Wine is not made in the cellar, but in the vineyard"
- Mirco Gianaroli
Marco’s personal notes
At Porcalorca, we proudly promote high-quality, small, and exclusive winemakers whose stories we love to share with our customers.
I’ve known Mirco for several years, and from the moment I introduced him to the Porcalorca project, I was struck by his passion and dedication to every aspect of his winery. His wines are a true reflection of the flavours, tastes, and traditions of the Castelvetro region. In this place, the craft of winemaking is rooted in producing genuine and sincere wines that embody the hard work done in the vineyards. These are simple yet profound wines, fresh yet full of character, much like the people who craft them.
Every word Mirco speaks carries the pride of being a perfect ambassador for the history and traditions of this land. His wines are born from a deep love for the land, a love that Mirco pours into every bottle. When I made a selection of his wines for Porcalorca, I intended to export this exclusive Italian tradition of flavor and taste to Denmark, allowing our customers to experience the essence of Castelvetro through Mirco's exceptional creations.