Cantina Delsignore

Cantina Delsignore is one of the historic producers in the Gattinara DOCG appellation.

The roots of the Cantina Delsignore estate go back to Stefano's grandfather, Attilio Delsignore. Attilio had vineyards in Gattinara and then married Elsa Nervi of the Nervi family. As is the case with many marriages, they brought their estates together, including the main parcels in Valferana and Permolone. Bottles of the Gattinara from 1961 and '62 can still be found under the Nervi-Delsignore label.

Unfortunately, Attilio suffered a stroke in 1981, after which he was no longer self-sufficient. He lived another seven years before passing away in 1988. His children, including Stefano's mother, were not interested in continuing the winery and decided to sell much of the vineyards, but fortunately they retained the important crus Permolone, Lurga and Palo di Ferro. These remaining vineyards covered a total of just over a hectare. Stefano's father began working the remaining vineyards. He learned from the older local winemakers.

When Stefano returned to the winery in 2009, there were still many vintages in barrel that had never been bottled. He began selling those as he began making his own wine, learning from his father. He worked with a consulting enologist until 2017, after which he did the winemaking himself. He was able to purchase another 1.5 acres, bringing the winery's total ownership to 3.3 acres.

The focus of their production is on two Gattinara bottlings - a Riserva called Borgofranco, a non-riserva Gattinara called Il Putto, and a Costa della Sesia bottling called La Crotta. The La Crotta is also 100% Nebbiolo and essentially declassified Gattinara, although it is lower in alcohol and not aged long enough to be officially labeled as such.

Winemaking here is strictly traditional. The macerations take quite a long time, and the Gattinara all ages in older, used bottles. The Costa della Sesia, on the other hand, is aged in slightly smaller, neutral oak barrels. These are classic, dense, tough Nebbiolos that showcase the wonderful savory aromas and flavors of the Alto Piedmont, dried cherries, wild mountain herbs, licorice and sandalwood. Although immediately drinkable, these wines have the structure necessary to be kept in the cellar for medium to long periods of time.

Gattinara and Ghemme are the only DOCG wines from Alto Piedmont.