Travaglini: Leading Gattinara's Winemaking Renaissance
Travaglini Winery, located in the historic Gattinara region of North Piedmont, has a winemaking tradition that predates even the renowned Barolo. The region, once devastated by the phylloxera plague and a catastrophic hailstorm in 1905, saw a revival thanks to Clemente Travaglini.
In the 1920s, he recognized the potential of this mountainous area and established his winery, focusing on the Nebbiolo grape. His passion and dedication have been carried forward through generations, making Travaglini a symbol of Gattinara's winemaking excellence.
Techniques
The Travaglini family has been at the forefront of viticultural innovation in Gattinara. They have implemented high-density planting, the Guyot pruning system, and 100% hand-harvesting. Modern techniques such as fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and the use of barriques have also been adopted early. Since 2019, the fifth generation has brought a touch of modernity to the winery, ensuring that Travaglini remains a leader in the industry.
Vineyards and Terroir
Travaglini owns 59 hectares of vineyards, with 55 hectares dedicated to vines, primarily Nebbiolo. The unique terroir of Gattinara, enriched by the remains of a supervolcano, imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines. The soil, composed of silica, iron, magnesium, porphyry, and granite, enhances the wines' sapidity and acidity, making them elegant and persistent.
Microclimate
The microclimate of Gattinara is ideal for viticulture. The hills' natural position at the foot of Mount Rosa provides excellent sun exposure while the Alps act as a protective barrier against cold currents. The proximity to Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore creates a thermal shock between day and night, favoring the maturation of the grapes. A constant breeze from Monte Rosa ensures the health of the grapes and the concentration of aromatic substances, contributing to the wines' elegance.
Iconic Bottle Design
In 1958, Giancarlo Travaglini designed a unique bottle that not only serves as a work of art but also enhances the wine-drinking experience. The bottle's shape naturally catches sediment during pouring, allowing the wine to be served directly from the bottle without decanting. The dark-colored glass protects the wine from light, preserving its quality over the years. This elegant design is perfect for storage and aging.
Signature Wines
Nebbiolo Coste della Sesia DOC: Made from the youngest vineyards (5-15 years old), this wine is fruity, intriguing, and well-balanced. It undergoes a 12-14 day maceration in stainless steel tanks and ages for 4 months in stainless steel, followed by 10 months in used Slavonian oak casks.
Gattinara DOCG: This wine blends grapes from almost all the vineyards, showcasing marked minerality and complexity. It is aged for 30 months in used Slavonian oak casks and an additional 3 months in the bottle.
Gattinara Riserva DOCG: Produced from the best parcels of the oldest vineyards (35-60 years), this elegant and refined wine is aged for 40 months in Slavonian oak casks and 12 months in the bottle.
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