PIEDMONT
In the heart of San Carlo in Castiglione Tinella, one of the most prestigious areas for Moscato cultivation, the Nene wine project is rooted in a family history spanning three generations. Founded by Irene’s maternal grandparents as a traditional farm and later carried forward by her mother and sisters through the sale of bulk wine, the estate is now undergoing a profound transformation driven by Irene’s vision. After earning her degree in Viticulture and Enology in Alba and gaining international experience across Argentina and France, Irene consolidated her technical expertise in Piedmont, working first in laboratory research and then as an associate winemaker at historic houses such as Gancia. This solid professional background forms the genesis of her personal project, which officially launched with the 2023 debut harvest, focusing on 1.5 hectares of the 11.5 hectares owned by the family. The vineyards, mostly located around the winery—with notable exceptions like the Vigna Felicion Pinot Noir and the historic Chardonnay in Castagnole delle Lanze—are managed through a philosophy of deep environmental respect, eschewing chemical herbicides in favor of mechanical and manual cultivation. While Irene’s training is strictly technical, her winemaking vision reflects a quest for authenticity that avoids forced structures; her goal is a visceral connection to the vine that allows for the wine's free expression. To build expressive bases for her Metodo Classico sparkling wines, Irene has chosen to emphasize reserve wines, aging them partly in concrete to preserve minerality and freshness, and partly in oak barrels from Champagne to add structure and complexity. This technical and emotional evolution finds an artistic parallel in the project’s labels, created in collaboration with artist Federica Bodda using the refined technique of calcography (copperplate engraving). Just as the wine matures and transforms over time, the visual identity of the bottles is destined to evolve year after year, becoming increasingly intricate through the three levels of the project: Primo Stato, Secondo Stato, and Terzo Stato (First, Second, and Third State). It is a fluid narrative of growth and awareness, aiming for progressive production self-sufficiency and the creation of wines with a distinct personality—a faithful mirror of an ancient terroir interpreted with modern, artisanal sensitivity.
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