Gonella Vini

Location: San Martino Alfieri (Asti), Piedmont, Italy

Winemakers: Marco Gonella

Philosophy: An artisanal, "micro-estate" approach focusing on high-altitude Barbera and the preservation of rare local varieties through non-invasive oenology.

Terroir & Site Characteristics

The estate is located in San Martino Alfieri, a strategic viticultural zone situated at the intersection of the Monferrato, Langhe, and Roero regions.

• Elevation: The vineyards are among the highest in the area, reaching up to 300 meters above sea level. This altitude is critical for maintaining acidity in a warming climate.

• Soil Composition: Primarily Sabbie d’Asti (Asti sands) mixed with silt and limestone. These sandy soils contribute to the characteristic perfume and elegance of the wines, rather than the heavy power found in clay-dominant zones.

• Exposure: Most plots feature southern and south-western exposures, ensuring optimal phenolic ripeness while the sandy soil provides excellent drainage.

Viticulture & Varietals

Marco Gonella manages approximately 4 hectares of vines with a meticulous, garden-like approach.

• Key Varietals: Barbera, Nebbiolo, Arneis, and the rare Slarina.

• The Slarina Project: Gonella is one of the few producers championing Slarina, an ancient Piedmontese grape that was nearly extinct. It is valued for its spicy profile and high natural acidity.

• Farming Practices: The estate follows organic principles (practicing/certified). No chemical herbicides or pesticides are used. Cover crops (grasses and legumes) are maintained between rows to promote soil health and carbon sequestration.

Oenological Profile (Cellar Tech)

The winemaking process is designed to be "subtractive"—removing human thumbprints to let the vintage speak.

• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation in small batches using native yeasts.

• Vessels: Fermentation and aging take place primarily in stainless steel and cement. For certain cuvées, old neutral oak is used, but only to allow the wine to breathe, never to impart vanilla or wood tannins.

• Maceration: Maceration times are tailored to the vintage, generally leaning toward infusion-style extraction to keep the tannins silky and the fruit profile bright.

• Intervention: Bottled with minimal filtration and very low sulfur additions (SO2​).

Style & Sensory Identity

Gonella wines are known for their freshness and "croccante" (crunchy) fruit. His Barbera is a departure from the high-alcohol, oak-heavy styles of the past; instead, it is electric, savory, and exceptionally food-friendly. The Slarina offers a unique sensory experience—tannic yet light-bodied, with distinct notes of black pepper and wild berries.