About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
MGA Parafada lies in Serralunga d’Alba and takes its name from the neighbouring rural hamlet. The MGA covers 7.9212 ha, of which Casa E. di Mirafiore owns 1.6322 ha under vine. The estate sites face south-west and south-east at 330–350 m a.s.l.
The historic vineyard was planted in 1975 with mass-selected material and belongs to the generation of sites that replaced the old Michet vines during the 1970s. Soils contain sand, silt and clay and have a deep, fertile clay-limestone texture without skeletal material. Highly disintegrated stratiform deposits allow roots and water to penetrate deeply, creating substantial nutrient and water reserves and tolerance of water stress. Good water availability supports even ripening of generally medium-sized, loose bunches. The south-east-facing slope also offers natural protection from hail, frost and sunburn.
The certified-organic vineyard retains spontaneous grass cover throughout the year to foster biodiversity and limit erosion. Mixed Guyot pruning is used, with bow tying of the fruiting cane. The soil receives estate compost and organic materials of biological origin each year. Planting density is 4,000–5,000 vines/ha.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
Harvest takes place around mid-October. Grapes arrive in small perforated boxes and ferment in 500-litre wooden barrels. Alternating layers comprise half destemmed berries and half intact bunches with berries still attached to their stems. Once alcoholic fermentation starts, light punching down keeps the top of the cap moist without breaking the intact grapes in its centre. Fermentation proceeds slowly as the berries release sugar-rich juice and lasts approximately three weeks before racking.
After pressing, the unfermented must retained within the berries completes fermentation away from the skins. Two days of static settling remove the coarser solids, after which the wine returns to its fermentation barrels for malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Maturation lasts 20–24 months in tonneaux and continues in ceramic amphorae before bottling. The wine then rests in bottle until ready to taste.
Technical data
The 2020 vintage has 15% alcohol and a production of 700 bottles. The vineyard is certified organic; the wine also carries Equalitas and Vegan certifications.
Tasting profile
Intense, bright garnet red. Wild strawberry and small red fruits lead into black-pepper spice. The palate is vibrant and enveloping, with a dense, balanced tannic weave, long persistence and a taut, muscular profile.
