Region / Classification：Gattinara DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
Grapes varieties：100% Nebbiolo
Alcohol：14%
Website：https://www.torracciadelpiantavigna.it/?lang=en
🌟 One of the two Classic winery which can produce both Ghemme and Gattinara
🌟 A Nebbiolo region that rival Barolo and Barbaresco
🌟 Counsulting famous flying winemaker Giuseppe "beppe" Caviola
🌟 12 wines with Gambero Rosso 3 bicchieri
🌟 3 years with Italian prestigious eco-friendly award
🌟 Mature in French medium-size Allier oak for 42 months
🏅 Wine Advocate 93+ points
The history of “Torraccia del Piantavigna” began in 1977 when Pierino Piantavigna, maternal great grandfather of the current generation of the Francoli family, planted his first vineyard of Nebbiolo in the hills above Ghemme, near the former Cavenago Castle. The name of the company, founded 13 years later, was inspired by Pierino’s passion for the vineyards, which were such an important part of his life, and by the name of the hillside where he worked, known as “la Torraccia”, in reference to the derelict tower of the castle there.
It was Alessandro Francoli, president of the Luigi Francoli distillery, who founded the company in 1997. A company now known in Italy and worldwide for the quality of its innovative wines which, at the same time, reflect the local character and traditions.
Torraccia del Piantavigna is situated in Alto Piemonte in the foothills of Monte Rosa, perhaps the most emblematic of all Italian mountains. The company owns nearly 100 acres of hand-tended vineyards growing almost exclusively three local grape varieties, Nebbiolo and Vespolina for reds and Autochthonous single grape variety as specified for our DOC wines for whites. The wines are all vinified and aged in our cellars and bottled on our own production line. The winery makes exclusively quality wines, mainly reds but with some white and rosé, including our illustrious Ghemme and Gattinara D.O.C.G. wines, whose constant outstanding quality is testified by the dozens of prestigious awards received for these wines. In particular, the ‘Tre Bicchieri’ has been awarded to one of our wines for each of the last ten years by Gambero Rosso, the bible of Italian wine.
The current generation of management of the company draws inspiration from grandfather Pierino, not only by making wines of recognised quality and elegance but also in its values and attitudes towards the local area, the local community and the environment. As a reflection of its work in environmental protection, Torraccia del Piantavigna was honoured in 2014, 2017 and 2018 with the prestigious Eco-Friendly award from the Touring Club Italiano.
The Francoli family, as always, still own the majority shareholding in Torraccia but, since February 1, 2015, the ownership has changed, with the Ponti family, also from Ghemme, owners of the eponymous leading Italian producer of vinegars and vegetable preserves, taking a significant share. This is a logical step for the company as the Ponti family has been involved with Torraccia from the beginning, having handed the management of their prestigious vineyards to a joint-venture company owned by the two families. In addition, the current manager of the business, Nigel Brown, has been granted a small shareholding in recognition of his important role in the future development of the business.
Area of production: about 7 acres of our estate vineyards Gerbidoni and Lurghe, located in the DOCG area of Gattinara.
Vine training system: guyot, for maximum exposure
Average yield per acre: extremely low at less than 1,800 kg per acre. This is due to extensive green harvesting, thus concentrating the aromas and flavours in the few remaining bunches.
Harvest: hand-picked, usually during the first fortnight of October, and transported to the winery in small crates.
Vinification: soft pressing of the grapes, fermentation in temperature-controlled steel tanks, monitoring the remontage frequency and the oxygen intake, so as to encourage the extraction of polyphenols and aromas. This is followed by a malolactic fermentation.
Ageing: at least 3 years in medium-size French oak barrels of Allier.
Finishing: at least 6 months in the bottle.
Bottle: inspired by an original dated 1904.
🏅 Wine Advocate 93+ points：
The 2016 Ghemme opens slowly to reveal dried cherry, garden earth, grilled herb and rose. It promises long-term potential, and the slow-moving character of the bouquet bodes well for the future evolution of this wine. Floral and fruit aromas are backed by mild spice and tarry smoke.
$275/bottle
A set of 3 bottles: $744 (On Average $248)
Mix your favorite wines, Free delivery upon purchase 6 bottles or above
