The Langhe region in Piedmont, Italy, has a rich history that is intricately entwined with the legacy of Elvio Cogno Winery. The narrative starts in the middle of the 20th century when Italian winemaking was undergoing change and innovation.
Elvio Cogno societa agricola S.A..
Località Ravera, 2 12060 Novello (Cn) Italy
Ph. +39.0173.744006 Fax +39.0173.744921
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Beginnings and Formative Years
The winery’s founder, Elvio Cogno, came from a family with a long history in winemaking. In the village of Novello, the Cogno family had been growing grapes for many centuries, but Elvio had bigger plans. Elvio was resolved to be at the vanguard of the Italian winemaking renaissance that was taking place in the wake of World War II.
Elvio Cogno began the process of starting his winery in the 1950s. He put in a lot of effort to master the nuances of winemaking, honed his craft, and gained a deep appreciation for the land. His early work was marked by experimentation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He established a collaboration with the esteemed Marcarini winery in La Morra during this period, producing his first noteworthy wines there.
Elvio Cogno’s life changed in 1964 when he bought the famed Novello vineyard, Ravera. With its distinct microclimate and fertile soil, this piece of property would serve as the foundation for his winemaking pursuits. Renowned for producing outstanding Nebbiolo grapes, the basis for Barolo, the “King of Wines,” was the Ravera vineyard.
Elvio Cogno’s inventive energy, along with his dedication to traditional winemaking techniques, started to produce amazing results. To guarantee the best quality grapes, he concentrated on low-yield cultivation and applied exacting winemaking methods. Elvio Cogno’s wines began to be recognised, and his name came to be associated with quality.
Growth and Originality
Elvio was joined in the late 1980s by his daughter Nadia and her husband, Valter Fissore, as the winery expanded. With this, Elvio Cogno Winery entered a new chapter in its history. With their newfound insights and intense love of winemaking, Nadia and Valter enhanced the winery’s standing even more.
The resuscitation of the Nascetta grape, a long-forgotten white varietal indigenous to the Langhe region, was one of their major contributions. Then they started growing Nascetta in the Ravera vineyard, realising its potential. The outcome was a singular and characteristic white wine that enhanced the portfolio’s diversity and demonstrated the terroir’s adaptability in Langhe.
Appreciation and Honours
Elvio Cogno Winery was critically acclaimed both domestically and abroad during the 1990s and 2000s. Renowned wine experts have given their Barolo wines—especially those from the Ravera vineyard—many accolades and excellent scores. Worldwide wine connoisseurs were moved by the winery’s dedication to traditional techniques and ecological agriculture.
Each and every bottle that the Cogno family made demonstrated their commitment to excellence. Their entire decision-making process was based on the belief that exceptional wine is created in the vineyard. Every stage of the process, from meticulous vineyard management to prolonged maceration and ageing in sizable oak casks, was carried out with care and accuracy.
History and Prospects
Elvio Cogno left behind a legacy of brilliance and creativity when he passed away in 2016. His foresight and perseverance turned a modest family vineyard into one of the Langhe region’s most prestigious vineyards. Nadia and Valter are carrying on his legacy today by pushing the boundaries of winemaking and upholding the highest standards.
The winery is still dedicated to upholding the distinctive qualities of the Langhe region while utilising contemporary methods and environmentally friendly procedures. Together with other varieties that showcase the rich diversity of their vineyards, they still make excellent Barolo.
