Borgogno’s New Era With Andrea Farinetti Leading The Way

Giacomo Borgogno & Figli, a legendary Barolo producer with a rich history dating back to 1761, is entering a new era under the management of Andrea Farinetti. This transition has brought about exciting developments for the winery, including a partnership with La Place de Bordeaux for global distribution and the release of their prestigious riserva wines from Liste and Cannubi vineyards.

Under the coordination of Piedmont specialist Timothée Moreau and his team at Bureau des Grands Vins (BGV), Borgogno’s wines will now be available internationally through La Place de Bordeaux. This exclusive distribution, excluding Italy, is a significant move for the winery.
What sets this release apart is the introduction of single cru mixed cases containing three or six bottles of Borgogno’s renowned riserva wines from Liste and Cannubi. These wines come from a blend of vintages, including 2009, 2012, and 2014 for Cannubi and 2009, 2011, and 2012 for Liste, and marks the first time Borgogno has released wines with significant bottle ageing at the estate, in addition to the traditional ageing in bottle and botti that earns them the Riserva designation.

Although the quantities are undisclosed, it is expected that these rare wines will have limited availability, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. Leading Bordeaux négociants, including Ballande & Meneret, CVBG, Sobovi, and Millésima, will be involved in the distribution.
Andrea Farinetti, Borgogno’s winemaker, expresses his excitement over the big news, “I’m deeply excited and proud of this new chapter in our long history. Making our debut on La Place de Bordeaux means becoming part of an elite club amongst the most prestigious wines in the world. Liste and Cannubi are two historical vineyards which embody the soul of our estate.” Liste and Cannubi are historic vineyards that embody the essence of Borgogno’s estate; Liste, the first vineyard established in 1761, represents the winery’s history, while Cannubi is a dream for Barolo lovers, known for its exceptional terroir and microclimate.

Borgogno’s vineyard holdings span 40 hectares, with 16 hectares located in the Barolo municipality, including the iconic vineyards of Liste, Fossati, Cannubi, Cannubi San Lorenzo, and San Pietro delle Viole. Among these, Cannubi stands out as the most famous cru, with a southern exposure and an altitude of 290 to 320 meters, producing elegant and powerful Barolo wines. Liste, with its calcareous marl, clay, and sand soil, produces a Barolo full of harmony and complexity, while Fossati offers elegant and fruity wines.

The makeover of Borgogno began in the early 2010s under the management of Andrea Farinetti, who brought a fresh yet respectful perspective to the winery’s traditional winemaking philosophy. The estate’s history is steeped in tradition, with Cesare Borgogno, who took over in 1920, being instrumental in establishing the winery’s reputation for long-aging wines.

The acquisition of Borgogno by Oscar Farinetti in 2008 marked a significant moment in the world of Italian wine. Despite initial criticism, the Farinetti family has preserved and updated Borgogno’s traditions, including organic production practices implemented in 2016.

Today, Borgogno wines are known for their classicism, characterised by prolonged maceration, spontaneous fermentations, and ageing in Slavonian oak barrels. The Barolo Riserva is a hallmark of the estate, with a production of approximately 60,000 bottles per year. The introduction of white wines and other labels showcases Borgogno’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.

The Farinetti family’s ownership has seen the estate expand to 31 hectares of vineyards and approximately 10 hectares of native woods. Their dedication to eco-friendly practices has resulted in 100% organic certification since the 2019 harvest.

Borgogno’s partnership with La Place de Bordeaux marks a significant milestone in the winery’s history, bringing their exceptional Barolo wines to a global audience. Under Andrea Farinetti’s management, Borgogno continues to uphold its rich traditions while embracing modern winemaking practices and sustainability. This combination of heritage and innovation ensures that Borgogno remains a top player in the world of Barolo wines.