Duemani
Summary
Duemani is a boutique biodynamic winery established in 2000 by husband-wife team Luca D'Attoma and Elena Celli, producing Cabernet Franc-focused wines from 7-10 hectares of limestone and clay soils in coastal Riparbella, Tuscany. Their commitment to Demeter-certified biodynamic practices since 2005, minimal-intervention winemaking, and pioneering work with Cabernet Franc in an unconventional Tuscan terroir has established them as influential innovators in the region's evolving wine landscape.
Heritage & Leadership
Duemani was founded in 2000 by husband and wife team Luca D'Attoma and Elena Celli in the Riparbella area of the Tuscan coast. The name "Duemani," meaning "two hands" in Italian, reflects the partnership at the heart of this boutique winery. Luca D'Attoma, who serves as both winemaker and viticulturist, brought significant experience to the project, having worked as a consulting winemaker for other notable Tuscan estates including Le Macchiole and Tua Rita.
The winery released its first commercial wines around 2004-2005, establishing itself as a focused producer dedicated to expressing the unique terroir of this coastal Tuscan region. Unlike nearby Bolgheri, Duemani's vineyards are situated in the province of Pisa, giving their wines a distinct identity within the broader Tuscan wine landscape. Under the consistent leadership of its founding owners, Duemani has maintained its original vision while developing a reputation for meticulous vineyard management and winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Duemani's estate encompasses approximately 7-10 hectares of vineyards in Riparbella, characterized by distinctive limestone and clay soils containing marine fossil deposits. This geological profile, combined with the maritime influence from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea and the elevation of the vineyard sites, creates a unique growing environment. The property includes steep, terraced sections that necessitate manual cultivation techniques.
The winery focuses primarily on Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Franc taking center stage. Their flagship wine, "Duemani," is crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc, while "Cifra" represents another pure expression of Cabernet Franc, sourced from younger vines. The portfolio also includes "Altrovino," a Merlot-based blend complemented by Cabernet Franc, and "Suisassi," a wine produced from Syrah. All wines carry the IGT Toscana designation, reflecting their position outside traditional DOC boundaries.
Philosophy & Practice
Duemani has embraced biodynamic viticulture since at least 2005, earning certification from Demeter for their comprehensive approach to this holistic farming system. This commitment extends throughout their entire estate, reflecting the founders' dedication to environmental stewardship and wine quality.
In the cellar, Duemani employs winemaking techniques that emphasize minimal intervention with limited use of sulfites. Fermentation takes place in a combination of concrete tanks and wooden vats, allowing for gentle extraction and preservation of fruit character. Their top wines undergo aging in French oak barrels, with varying percentages of new oak depending on the specific wine and its requirements. This careful balance of traditional methods and thoughtful innovation results in wines that express both varietal character and the distinctive terroir of their Riparbella vineyards.