Vineyards and winemaking
Foravia is made from Nebbiolo grown across Morra Gabriele's small, biodynamically farmed holding in and around Barbaresco. Clay and silt-rich soils give structure, while cover crops, natural preparations and vineyard work timed to seasonal rhythms support biodiversity and the freshness the producers seek in a warming climate.
The 2019 was made with 60% whole clusters, covered with pressed must and fermented spontaneously in concrete. After pressing and completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine was divided equally between concrete and oak barrels more than ten years old, preserving perfume and energy rather than imposing new-oak flavour.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright ruby red with transparent garnet reflections and a lively rim.
Nose
Wild strawberry and redcurrant meet dried rose, orange peel and mountain herbs, with a faint earthy note and white pepper adding detail.
Palate
Energetic and finely structured, with cranberry and sour cherry carried by fresh acidity and supple, persistent tannins. Whole-cluster fermentation lends aromatic lift and savoury spice, while neutral vessels keep the finish clear, mineral and distinctly unforced.
Food pairing
Serve slightly cool with rabbit and pancetta, roast chicken with porcini, tajarin with sage butter, or grilled radicchio and Taleggio. Its brightness also makes it an unusually graceful Nebbiolo for charcuterie or a long lunch.
Background story
Morra Gabriele was revived in 2013 by Piedmont farmer Gabriele Testa and sommelier Stefano Campaniello, building on a cellar formerly known as Pautasso Vini and a history reaching back to 1880. Their philosophy is observant and low-intervention, with spontaneous fermentations and minimal cellar correction.
Sommelier's Choice discovered the domaine when Tim was recommended Stefano's own Barbaresco at Campamac Osteria. Impressed by the wine and the story behind it, he moved quickly to begin importing the range. Foravia, meaning off the beaten path in Piedmontese, captures that collaboration's spirit particularly well: individual, fresh and quietly adventurous.
