Tommaso Cappa

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Tommaso Cappa 〰️

Tommaso Cappa is a young, biodynamic winemaker based in the Valdibà hamlet of Dogliani, Piedmont, Italy, where he produces small-batch, organic wines, primarily Dogliani DOCG (Dolcetto) and Nebbiolo. Operating from a one-hectare vineyard near the San Fereolo chapel, Cappa’s winery is an artisanal gem, emphasizing manual, chemical-free practices and respect for the land. His wines, limited to ~1,600–1,700 bottles per vintage, reflect the unique terroir of Dogliani’s marly soils at ~370 meters altitude.

Background and Philosophy

  • Experience: After earning an enology degree, Cappa gained global winemaking experience in Patagonia, Chile, and Tuscany before returning to Piedmont. He works as a vineyard foreman at Ceretto, overseeing biodynamic research, while managing his own project.

  • Vineyard: He and his partner, Agnese (an architect), transformed an ancient Dolcetto vineyard around his grandparents’ house in Valdibà into an “open-air laboratory.” Without a formal business plan, their focus is valorizing indigenous grapes and sustainable innovation.

  • Approach: Cappa’s biodynamic philosophy avoids chemical herbicides and systemic fertilizers. All vineyard work is manual, and he uses spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, aging wines in exhausted barrels to enhance complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Wines

  • Dogliani DOCG (Dolcetto): Produced from 40-year-old vines, his Dogliani (2021, 2022 vintages) is fermented in steel for 17 days and aged for a year in small, used barrels. With ~1,600–1,700 bottles per vintage, it offers deep ruby color, cherry and violet aromas, and an elegant structure with soft tannins.

  • Commaso Tappa (Nebbiolo): A limited-production (~800 bottles) Nebbiolo, balancing tannic structure with fruity richness, showcasing Valdibà’s terroir.

  • Winemaking Details: Whole-cluster fermentation (without stems) preserves fruit purity. His wines are noted for freshness, acidity, and food-friendliness, ideal for Piedmontese dishes like agnolotti or braised beef.

People tasting and showcasing bottles of wine at a wine tasting event.

Where to Find Tommaso Cappa Wines

**Updated Information as of July 14, 2025:** Tommaso Cappa is a young, passionate winemaker producing highly limited, artisanal wines from Dogliani in Piedmont. His wines are in high demand and often sell out quickly.

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your essential tool for global availability.** Search for "Tommaso Cappa" to find merchants listing his wines and compare prices.
Grandi Bottiglie (Online, Italy & Europe Shipping) An Italian online retailer of fine wines, including Tommaso Cappa's Dogliani and Nebbiolo.
Vinoland (Online, Italy & Europe Shipping) An Italian online wine shop that often carries Tommaso Cappa's limited production wines.
Enoteca Il Vinoso (Online, Italy) An Italian enoteca that has stocked Tommaso Cappa's Dogliani.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)

  • **United States:**
    • **Oneonthehill USA (US Importer/Retailer):** This is a key importer for Tommaso Cappa in the US. Their website (oneonthehillusa.com) directly lists and sells Tommaso Cappa wines (Dogliani DOCG, Langhe Nebbiolo, Vino Rosso "Zanna Dura") and can ship to various states. This is likely the most direct and consistent source for US customers.
    • **Vinoshipper:** Oneonthehill USA utilizes Vinoshipper, which expands their shipping reach across many US states where direct-to-consumer wine shipping is permitted.
    • *Given the limited production, seek out boutique Italian wine shops or natural wine specialists in major US cities (e.g., NYC, SF, LA) that work with importers focusing on artisanal Piedmontese producers.*
  • **Italy:**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** As a small, artisanal producer, it is highly likely that Tommaso Cappa welcomes visitors for tastings and direct purchases at his cellar in Valdibà, Dogliani. Contacting him directly via email or phone would be advisable.
    • **Specialized Enotecas & Wine Bars:** Look for independent "enotecas" (wine shops) and wine bars in Piedmont (especially in the Langhe and Dogliani areas, as well as Turin and Milan) that focus on organic and small-producer wines.
  • **Europe (General):**
    • *Beyond the Italian online retailers mentioned above, look for specialized Italian wine importers or natural wine shops in countries like the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. His wines are part of the growing trend for authentic, small-batch Italian wines.*

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemaker:** Tommaso Cappa.
**Location:** Valdibà, Dogliani, Piedmont, Italy. (Located near the borders of Dogliani and Barolo in Monforte).
**Philosophy: Organic Viticulture & Minimal Intervention:** Established his project in 2020. Cultivates a 1-hectare, 40-year-old vineyard by hand. Deep commitment to organic viticulture; no chemical herbicides or systemic fertilizers. In the cellar: Uses only native yeasts for spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, often with almost entirely whole clusters. Aging for one year in small, exhausted barrels. Wines are unfined and unfiltered, with a minimalist approach to sulfur. Tommaso also works at Ceretto, focusing on research and biodynamics.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Dolcetto (for Dogliani DOCG), Nebbiolo (for Langhe Nebbiolo). (Also some Vino Rosso cuvées which may be blends or other indigenous varietals.)
**Signature Wines (Examples):**
  • **Dogliani DOCG:** His flagship wine, 100% Dolcetto, known for its fresh dark cherry, violet, and supple tannins.
  • **Langhe Nebbiolo DOC ("Commaso Tappa"):** An expressive Nebbiolo with floral notes, fresh red cherry, and an elegant structure.
  • **Vino Rosso "Zanna Dura":** A red blend.
Wines are classified under Dogliani DOCG, Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, or Vino Rosso.
**Production:** Very limited (around 1,700 bottles per vintage).
**Style:** Authentic, terroir-driven wines with vibrant fruit, purity, and unique acidity, reflecting the character of Dolcetto and Nebbiolo from the Dogliani hills.