Apapà

Vineyard and terroir

APAPÀ comes from a selection of old Nebbiolo vines in the La Val dei Preti vineyard. The south-facing site lies at 260–290 metres above sea level. Its soil comprises 65% fine sand, 4% coarse sand, 29% silt and 2% clay. The vines are planted at 5,500 plants per hectare and trained on a vertical trellis with Guyot pruning. Yield is 45–50 hl/ha.

Grapes

100% Nebbiolo.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand at the beginning of October. Vinification takes place entirely in ceramic amphora, including 45–50 days of skin maceration.

Ageing

The wine matures for at least 20 months in ceramic amphora, followed by at least 20 months in bottle. It sees no wood. This choice of vessel reflects the experimental character of the father to whom the wine is dedicated: conventional maturation in new or used barrels, whether large or small, was considered inappropriate for the project.

Technical data

Annual production averages approximately 400 bottles. APAPÀ is released as Vino Rosso rather than Roero DOCG because the latter requires maturation in wood. The family also chose not to use the Langhe Nebbiolo designation, preferring an identity rooted explicitly in Roero.

Tasting profile

The wine presents a particularly pure expression of Nebbiolo. Elegance and freshness are balanced by pronounced but velvety tannins.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 18–19 °C.

Label / history

The project began in spring 2015 when siblings Giovanni and Brigitta decided to create something new in memory of their father. Their complementary roles shaped the wine: Giovanni determined how it would be made, while Brigitta designed its visual identity.

The circular label was conceived as a mandala, inspired by an important journey to India. Its three trees represent Brigitta, Giovanni and their mother: distinct in colour and character, yet harmonious together. Their roots symbolize the past and the strength drawn from shared experience. An abstract heart at the centre holds the intimate memory of their father and the values he passed on—passion, trust in intuition, experimentation and the courage to believe in an idea. The branches rise outward toward the sky, representing both their father’s symbolic home and the source of new intuitions.