FARA & SIZZANO

Continuing our journey on the orographic left of the Sesia past Ghemme, we find the town of Sizzano. Here two young winemakers, Paolo Cominoli of Cantina Comero and Paride Chiovini have rediscovered the ancient vineyards of their grandparents. Paolo’s grandmother still works the vines daily.

Both make the Sizzano DOC wine, a blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara. The Nebbiolo grape remains predominant and integrates wonderfully with Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese). The soil is similar to that in Ghemme. It is in fact the same fluvioglacial morain, even if here the hills are lower, more distant from the mountains and the soil is sandier.

The result is slightly softer wines. Moreover, the red grapes of the area converge in the Sizzano, while the Ghemme is often obtained only from Nebbiolo grapes. In this sense, Sizzano is very similar to its neighbour, Fara. The Fara DOC wine we discovered with immense pleasure is Barton by Gilberto Boniperti. Despite being similar wines, Fara and Sizzano are distinguished by the great harmonic force of the fruit of Fara, while Sizzano is full-bodied, drier and more austere. These winemakers also produce other wines, of course. Gilberto Boniperti’s Barbera Barblin is particularly appreciated for its elegance, but also Nebbiolo Carlin and Vespolina Favolalunga, are excellent. Paolo Cominoli impressed us with the sharpness of his wines, clearly defined on the basis of the grapes that compose them. Among the reds, Nebbiolo and Vespolina are definitely worth mentioning. Both have a spicy character and pleasant aromatic variety, without lacking in body. The white wine made from Erbaluce grapes is dry and easy to drink, with a brief sugary note towards the end. Paride Chiovini convinces with his interpretation of the Vespolina grape he called Aphrodite, his light red Briseide from Uva Rara grapes and his rosé Eros. Hi Ghemme is 100% Nebbiolo, very balsamic, powerful, yet youthful.

Leaving behind Sizzano and Fara, we reach Briona. Here the hill ends and plunges into the plain, as if wanting to dive into the rice paddies. These are the flat lands, where the water deriving from the melted snow floods the fields and rice is grown. It is the land of Gorgonzola cheese and risotto, a perfect meal to complement these wonderful wines!

OUR WINERIES

GILBERTO BONIPERTI

Our first visit of many in the “Alto Piemonte” was to Gilberto Boniperti’s cellar. He had harvested some grapes the previous day, crushed them, and was planning to get some more grapes later that day. We instantly liked this man. He showed great passion, and modesty.

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