From a high plateau in the northern Apennines, the Val Borbera a tiny region that seems like a giant “secret garden” of sorts. Straddling Piemonte, Liguria and Emilia Romagna, it is sheltered by high mountains and isolated from the surrounding valleys, bathed in sun exposure, and therefore an ideal place for agriculture. The area is barely touched by industrialization, which leaves it as well-preserved natural environment, rich and diverse in both flora and fauna.
This self-described “peasant project of two families” started in 2011 when Maurizio, Martina, Pietro and Maria all decided they needed something more than what life Genoa was offering. (Some of you might know Maurizio from his musical career, as a member of pop group “Ex-Otago”).
Their old vines are between 50 and 70 years old, and they’ve spent considerable energy and time researching and surveying the varieties planted there -
“…from Nibieau to Uva Rara, from Timorasso to Moscato d'Amburgo, from Barbera to Sangiovese, in short, one great carousel, a circus of biodiversity, practically a modern day miracle. We talked and drank together with some farmers who have planted these vines by hand, in winter, when it wasn't snowing, because we believe that if you want to try to move forward, in any path or project, you have to understand and value what good was done before our arrival”.
The result? These are cutting edge, progressive expressions for a new era of serious natural wine, yet are deeply rooted in local historical context and uniquely evocative of their climate and place.
Boffalora Bianco
"White wine obtained from Timorasso, Cortese and Favorita grapes; native vines of Piedmont. Spontaneous fermentation. Vinified in contact with the skins for 2 months in a fiberglass tank. Finished in fiberglass."
Pian del Te Bianco
“White wine obtained from Timorasso grapes, a native vine of the Val Borbera and the Tortona hills. Spontaneous fermentations. Vinified in contact with the skins for 2 months in fiberglass tanks and aged in oak tonneau for 8 months.”
Albera Rosso
“Red wine made from Nibiò, Muetto and Mostarino grapes. Muetto and Mostarino are native abandoned vines of the Val Borbera that we are recovering and multiplying. Spontaneous fermentations. Vinified in contact with the skins for 60 days in a fiberglass tank. Aging in fiberglass.”
