Winery Torraccia del Piantavigna

Torraccia del Piantavigna is a story of passion, territory, and vision, with roots dating back to the early 1950s. It was during this time that Pierino Piantavigna, driven by a deep bond with his land, planted a small vineyard on the hills of Ghemme, near the seventeenth-century Castello di Cavenago. A place filled with charm and history, where a nearly circular hill with exceptional exposure — affectionately called “Torraccia” — became the symbol of a profound connection between man and vineyard. Reinforcing this image was the old tower of the castle itself, a true “torraccia” marked by time, which ultimately inspired the winery’s name. In 1997, Alessandro Francoli, grandson of Pierino Piantavigna and president of Distillerie Francoli, transformed that vision into the structured winery that today is recognized both in Italy and internationally for the quality of its wines. The production philosophy is clear: to create modern, elegant, and precise wines without ever betraying the traditions and identity of the territory. Today, Torraccia del Piantavigna extends across approximately 40 hectares in Alto Piemonte, at the foot of Monte Rosa, cultivated mainly with traditional native grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Vespolina, alongside the white grape variety permitted by the production regulations. Every stage — from vinification to aging and bottling — takes place directly in the winery, ensuring the highest level of quality control. The wines of Torraccia del Piantavigna are authentic expressions of the Colline della Sesia, a territory with an extraordinary geological history. Around 290 million years ago, an active volcano existed between Valsesia and Valsessera. The subsequent uplift of the Alps and the overturning of the Earth’s crust brought the deepest part of its magmatic system to the surface, creating what is now known as a “fossil supervolcano.” This origin gave rise to alluvial soils exceptionally rich in minerals, capable of giving the wines remarkable structure, elegance, and longevity. The continental climate, ideal for Nebbiolo, is tempered by cool air currents descending from Monte Rosa, creating a perfect balance between ripeness, finesse, and aromatic freshness. It is within this unique terroir that wines of remarkable personality are born, including outstanding appellations such as Ghemme DOCG and Gattinara DOCG, both expressions of a refined, mineral-driven, and deeply territorial Nebbiolo. The current generation leading the winery continues to draw inspiration from the teachings of Pierino Piantavigna, not only in the constant pursuit of quality, but also in the respect for fundamental values such as Territory, Community, and Environment.