Josef began in 2014 when Luca Francesconi rented small plots of native vines in the Mantuan area near Lake Garda. Despite limited previous winemaking experience, the project soon grew. Its name honours Saint Joseph and the many local farms and cellars bearing his name.
Luca farms 5.5 hectares in Cavriana and Ponti sul Mincio, at elevations of 100–200 metres. The estate describes glacial moraine soils containing clay and basalt. A mild, sub-Mediterranean climate and cool breezes from Lake Garda support the vineyards.
Biodynamic principles have guided Josef from the beginning. Work is careful, minimal and manual, avoiding chemical inputs that could alter the vines’ development or the grapes’ character. Harvesting is by hand; grapes are not destemmed and wines are neither fined nor filtered.
Luca recovers and replants local varieties, including material from vineyards planted between 1922 and 1960. The range includes Negrara Trentina, Tocai, Rondinella, Garganega, Rossanella del Garda, Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano di Lugana and Merlot. Tall trees among the vines support biodiversity.
Josef’s wines draw on the past while expressing their place and the grower’s determination.
Josef shares the vision of Evoluzione Naturale. Come and discover Luca’s stories and wines.
Contact details
JOSEF
Via S. Nicolò,
46040 Ponti sul Mincio (MN)
Tel.: +39 338 6281568
Email: info@josefwine.it
Web: josefwine.it
https://www.instagram.com/josefwine/
https://www.instagram.com/evoluzione_naturale/
