Per Papa is Castello di Cigognola's Nebbiolo from the hills of Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy. Dedicated to Angelo Moratti's vision for the grape, it offers a fascinating alternative to Piedmont's better-known expressions. Expect the floral lift and structural character that make Nebbiolo such a compelling dinner wine.
- Aromas: Ripe red fruit and leather, with abundant floral notes that move towards dried flowers and a gently balsamic impression.
- Palate: Elegant but firmly outlined, with lively freshness and substantial, refined tannins. Savoury wood and balsamic detail give the finish a lingering complexity.
- Style: A dry Nebbiolo with medium-to-full presence, fragrant maturity and a structure that is most comfortable alongside food.
- Winemaking: Long skin maceration develops Nebbiolo's characteristic frame. The winemaking includes twelve months in small casks and a further twenty-four months in bottle before release.
- Cellaring: Drink now if well stored, with potential for further development in bottle. If ageing further, store in a cool and dark location. Before opening stand upright to settle sediment, and taste before choosing gentle decanting or further aeration.
- Food Pairing: Braised meat, duck, mushroom risotto or aged hard cheese; a rich, savoury dish helps soften the wine's tannic impression.
Nebbiolo from Lombardy is a great bottle to bring to a wine-loving dinner. Pour it beside a favourite Piedmont example, or simply enjoy its floral, savoury personality on its own terms. Per Papa has a story to tell and the structure for a proper meal. Serve slightly cool, taste before deciding on decanting, and give the wine time to develop in the glass.
Castello di Cigognola
Overlooking the Scuropasso valley in Lombardy’s Oltrepò Pavese, Castello di Cigognola combines a historic hilltop castle with an ambitious modern wine estate. Documented from the thirteenth century, the property carries the stories of the Arnaboldi, Brichetto and Moratti families. Today Gabriele Moratti leads the winery, continuing a relationship in which wine, family life and the preservation of a remarkable residence are closely connected. Pinot Nero is central to the estate’s identity, especially in its traditional-method sparkling wines, while Barbera is an important part of the still-wine story.
The sparkling collection is the clearest expression of its specialism: Pinot Nero interpreted through Brut, Pas Dosé and rosé styles, with bottle fermentation providing complexity and refinement. These are wines for those curious about Italy’s sparkling traditions beyond the most familiar names. Recognition includes Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri for the Pas Dosé in its 2021 guide. With its castle setting, family legacy and focused approach to Pinot Nero, Cigognola offers a distinctive introduction to one of northern Italy’s important sparkling-wine regions.
