Castello Luigi — The Pinnacle of Ticino Winemaking

A Visionary Project by Luigi Zanini

Founded in 1988 in Besazio (Ticino, Switzerland), Luigi Zanini created Castello Luigi on the site of a 19th-century farm. Inspired by the great châteaux of Bordeaux, he set out to build an exceptional estate, both architecturally and viticulturally. After nearly a decade of development, the first vintage was released in 1997, establishing a new benchmark for Swiss fine wine.

A Unique Terroir in the Heart of Ticino

The estate covers 278,463 m², with 125,374 m² under vine. The soils are a mix of limestone, sandstone and light sands, providing excellent natural drainage. Perched above Besazio, the vineyard benefits from a warm, dry microclimate ideally suited to Merlot, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.

The gravity-flow winery, built in a spiral structure descending 18.5 meters underground, allows gentle, precision winemaking without mechanical pumping, preserving the purity of the fruit.

A Philosophy Inspired by Bordeaux’s Great Estates

Luigi Zanini’s ambition was to craft a Swiss wine capable of standing alongside the world’s greatest. His approach is uncompromisingly focused on quality:

• Rigorous parcel selection

• Hand harvesting

• Precision winemaking

• Long barrel aging

• Limited production to ensure excellence

Wine Style: Power, Precision & Refinement

Castello Luigi’s red wines, driven by Merlot, are distinguished by silky structure, elegant balance, and complex aromatics — ripe black fruit, fine spices, tobacco, and truffle. The estate’s Chardonnay, produced in very small quantities, is celebrated for its mineral purity and exceptional length.

Signature Cuvées

• Castello Luigi Rosso — A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Elegant, structured, and built to age.

• Castello Luigi Bianco — A rare and precise Chardonnay with striking minerality.

• Limited production ensures rarity and exceptional quality.

A Swiss Estate of International Standing

Today, Castello Luigi stands among the finest wine estates in Ticino, embodying ambition, precision, and elegance. Luigi Zanini’s vision and relentless pursuit of excellence have made this domaine a cornerstone of modern Swiss fine wine.