Boniperti

Founded in 2008, the winery of Gilberto Boniperti is widely considered to be the best producer in the Fara district. A dynamic vigneron steadfastly committed to quality, Gilberto has lovingly restored his family's 4 hectares of vineyards and has adopted an approach to the different stages of winemaking that is refreshing in its attention to detail. Allier oak barrels of varying sizes are exclusively employed in maturation, the ensuing wines are structured and complex, yet elegant and soft.

Overview

Hidden at the base of the Alps, the Alto Piemonte is an alpine paradise set amid forest-clad hills that overlook the Sesia river. One of Italy's most important regions for Nebbiolo production, this little known, high elevation area has enjoyed a re-birth in recent years. The small handful of DOC and DOCG zones that have been created offer some of the most interesting handmade, terroir-driven examples of Nebbiolo produced.

Named for an ancient village at the base of Monte Rosa first settled by the Lombards in 600 AD, Fara is located southeast of Gattinara. A DOC since 1969, this tiny district consists of 20 hectares of vines. The wines produced must be at least 50% Nebbiolo (Spanna clone), with the balance made up of Vespolina and Uva Rara. The minimum ageing allowed prior to release is 22 months, with at least 12 of those months being in barrel.