Fognano

Fognano refers to a small, collaborative project between Paolo Foppiani and the renowned natural wine producer Giulio Armani (of Denavolo and La Stoppa). The name refers to the location of the vineyards in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

History and Location

• Location: The vineyards are located in the province of Piacenza, in the Colli Piacentini region of Emilia-Romagna.

• Collaboration: Fognano is a project where Paolo Foppiani, a local farmer, partners with Giulio Armani, a master of natural winemaking. The collaboration is a key part of the wine's identity, blending local knowledge with expert, low-intervention techniques.

Winemaking Philosophy

The winemaking at Fognano is a direct result of Giulio Armani's natural wine philosophy, applied to the local terroir.

• Organic Farming: The grapes are farmed organically, with a focus on healthy soil and biodiversity.

• Indigenous Grapes: The wines are made from native white grapes of the region, primarily Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and Ortrugo.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, the process is hands-off.

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts.

  • Skin Contact: The white grapes undergo a period of skin maceration, typically for around two weeks. This is a shorter duration than Armani's flagship Dinavolo, making the wine a more approachable "orange wine" with a lighter tannic structure.

  • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are bottled without fining or filtration, maintaining their natural character and a slight cloudiness.

  • Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum.

Notable Wines

Fognano is primarily known for a single wine that is a pure and unique expression of the collaboration and the region.

• Vino di Fognano: The flagship wine is a white "orange wine" made from a blend of local grapes. It's celebrated for its aromatic complexity, with notes of apricot, citrus, and a subtle savory, herbal character. It has a slight tannic grip from the skin contact but remains fresh and vibrant.