Nervi, Gattinara DOCG

About Nervi

Nervi is an esteemed wine producer based in Gattinara, within the Alto Piemonte region of northern Italy. Founded in 1906 by Luigi Nervi, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating winery in the Gattinara appellation. The estate covers approximately 28.5 hectares of prime vineyard land, much of it situated on the region’s famed volcanic soils. These soils, coupled with the area’s cool climate and significant diurnal temperature variation, create ideal conditions for cultivating Nebbiolo, known locally as Spanna.

The winery’s holdings are spread across some of Gattinara’s most celebrated crus, including Molsino and Valferana. These vineyards are renowned for producing Nebbiolo wines of exceptional structure, complexity, and longevity. The Molsino vineyard, an amphitheater-shaped site, is prized for its ability to yield wines with depth and aromatic intensity, while Valferana is known for its elegance and finesse. The vines, many of which are decades old, are farmed with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing sustainable practices and a deep respect for the unique terroir.

In the cellar, Nervi employs a philosophy that balances tradition with innovation. Fermentations take place in large wooden vats, and the wines are aged in sizable Slavonian oak casks, a method that preserves Nebbiolo’s delicate aromatics and allows the varietal’s subtle nuances to shine. The winemaking team, led by Roberto Conterno since 2018, is committed to minimal intervention, allowing the character of each vineyard and vintage to be authentically expressed. Conterno’s acquisition of Nervi marked a new chapter for the estate, bringing expertise from Barolo’s legendary Giacomo Conterno and further elevating Nervi’s reputation on the international stage.

Nervi’s portfolio centers on Gattinara DOCG wines, which are celebrated for their balance, tension, and age-worthiness. The flagship bottlings—Gattinara, Gattinara Molsino, and Gattinara Valferana—showcase the full range of Nebbiolo’s expression in this distinctive corner of Piemonte. The wines are noted for their bright acidity, firm tannins, and complex aromatics, often featuring notes of red berries, rose petals, tar, and minerals. In addition to these classic offerings, Nervi produces a rosato and a white wine, further demonstrating the versatility of the estate’s vineyards.

Throughout its history, Nervi has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the unique viticultural heritage of Gattinara. The estate has been instrumental in elevating the profile of Alto Piemonte, an area that was once overshadowed by its southern neighbors in Barolo and Barbaresco. Today, Nervi stands as a benchmark for quality in the region, producing wines that are both reflective of their origin and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of historic vineyards, skilled winemaking, and a commitment to excellence ensures that Nervi remains at the forefront of Italian wine.