Vigna Valferana is Paride Iaretti's single-vineyard Gattinara from northern Piedmont. The Nebbiolo grows in a small parcel with volcanic porphyry and iron-rich soil, which the estate identifies as central to the wine's character. This magnum offers a distinctive, mature expression of Alto Piemonte, focused on elegance and savoury depth. The 2016 Valferana received Four Vines in the 2021 AIS guide.
- Aromas: Nebbiolo's floral and red-fruit character is complemented by savoury, mineral impressions; maturity may bring additional earthy and spicy detail in the glass.
- Palate: Elegant and savoury, with a distinctive mineral and ferrous impression. Supporting tannins and fresh acidity give the wine definition and a long finish.
- Style: A dry, structured single-vineyard Nebbiolo with a mature, refined personality and an emphasis on site rather than sheer fruit weight.
- Winemaking: Made from Nebbiolo grown in the estate's Valferana parcel. The separate vineyard selection preserves a particularly distinctive Gattinara expression, with patient maturation helping the fruit and structure integrate.
- 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 beef, mushroom risotto, roast duck or mature cheese; the wine's savoury frame is especially rewarding with earthy, slowly cooked dishes.
For a dinner that invites a little wine conversation, Valferana is an excellent starting point. A small volcanic parcel, a local producer and a mature magnum give you plenty to explore. Enjoy it with food and let the savoury details emerge over the evening. Serve slightly cool, taste before deciding on decanting, and give the wine time to develop in the glass.
Paride Iaretti
In Gattinara, in northern Piedmont, Paride Iaretti carries forward a vineyard story begun by his father Pietro. Pietro combined his work as a traffic warden with a passion for growing grapes and making wine; Paride later chose to turn that inheritance into his life’s work. Nebbiolo is the defining variety, grown on the area’s volcanic and porphyry soils. The steep terrain and close planting make handwork essential in some vineyards, creating an intimate relationship between the grower and each parcel.
The wines offer a distinctive northern expression of Nebbiolo, with floral perfume, savoury detail and the structure to develop patiently in bottle. Gattinara Pietro honours Paride’s father, while Vigna Valferana explores an individual site and the Riserva brings a further dimension of maturation. Recognition includes repeated Five Bunches awards from Bibenda for Pietro and Four Vines from the Italian Sommelier Association for several Valferana vintages. For drinkers drawn to Nebbiolo’s elegance and ageing potential, Iaretti offers a rewarding family-scale alternative within Piedmont’s rich and varied wine landscape.
