Winemaker Bio

The Cogno family

The Cogno family has been making wine in the Langhe area for four generations. After a long and fruitful partnership with the venerable Barolo producer Marcarini at La Morra, in 1990 Elvio Cogno bought a splendid and historic 18th-century farmhouse situated at the top of Bricco Ravera, a hill near Novello. (Novello is one of the 11 communes in Piedmont in which Barolo is produced.) The farm was surrounded by 11 hectares (27.18 acres) of steeply sloping vineyards. Elvio restored the manor, converted the old granaries to wine cellars and founded his own, eponymous winery. For the next 20 years he devoted himself to the winemaking traditions that had been handed down to him by his father and grandfather. Paying special attention to the indigenous varietals and old vines, Elvio recognized that his vineyards enjoyed a unique microclimate, optimal exposure and exceptional drainage.

Elvio has now passed the torch to his daughter, Nadia, and her husband, Valter Fissore, who has worked beside Elvio for 25 years. Following in the footsteps of Elvio the maestro, his son-in-law and daughter continue to produce elegant wines without altering the traditions, styles and flavors of the Langhe, with its breathtaking quilted landscape and unique grape varieties.

“Proprietors Valter Fissore and Nadia Cogno are at the top of their game. . .” affirms Antonio Galloni (Vinous Media 2012). As the winemaking team, Valter and Nadia agree that minimal intervention in the winery gives the fullest expression of their terroir and a sense of place to their wines. While honoring tradition, Nadia and Valter have introduced a freshness and innovative approach to their winemaking.

Their meticulously groomed vineyards of varietals native to the Piedmont area are organically cultivated, adding nothing to the environment that would compromise the purity and precision of the wines. Yields are kept very low, respecting the natural balance of the vines, some of which are very old indeed.

Joining in the family enterprise is Nadia’s and Valter’s daughter, Elena, who designs their labels. A drawing of a baby chick, made for her parents when she was only three years old, shows her special talent and adorns the Vigna Elena Barolo label, a wine produced only in great vintages. This was the beginning of an artistic collaboration that continues today, as the graphic artist, Elvio’s granddaughter, gives a fresh look to these classic wines.