Gianni Doglia Winery in Piedmont – Asti

Precision Viticulture

I read “Precision Viticulture” and saw it as a new terminology but it’s not a word I’ve ever used, however it makes perfect sense. Gianni Doglia winery has a differing term for their viticultural practices. I first learned viticulture from Hector Bedolla, who’s the owner of Grape Wise, LLC Agricultural Consultant, and he demonstrated precision. We were both working for Bill Hambrecht at Belvedere Winery (1993- 1998) at the time.

The first thing Hector did was take me to Bill Hambrecht’s Bradford Mountain Vineyard. There he Introduced me to Dry Creek Zinfandel, coming from volcanic activity and the grapes growing in the sun’s red, iron oxide soil. I’ve never forgotten how he told me about the spicy, peppery flavors, coming from that red soil. Red soils make perfect sense for being a spicier start to life, right, like red pepper? We also traveled to the Mayacamas Range (to the east), where the soil was very different in Alexander Valley due to plates merging, not volcanic activity. There, Chardonnay does well.

Terroir defines a neighborhood.

Why A Fuss About Terroir?

Earth is comprised of many different elements, like many ingredients in a mixing bowl, with each contributing to the final recipe. Whatever nature has put into the soils for ingredients, it becomes the blend of what we’re going to get, within the flavors of wine. Compare these two top photos, and I believe you’ll quickly understand, how one vineyard and another can be drastically different.

Spring Vineyard at Foppiano Winery with wild mustard, a radically different terroir than Italy’s for instance.

Gianni Doglia, A Family Winery

Gianni Doglia is a family run winery, which prides itself for precision viticulture and distinctive wines. They’re cultivating different varieties, like Moscato, Barbera, and others. The Castagnole delle Lanze region of Piedmont, is a commune (municipality), in the Province of Asti. “Precision viticulture” is an important factor, while they craft their distinctive wines from Monferrato. Native wine grapes allow them to focus on quality, technical precision, and environmental stewardship. The winery’s philosophy centers on championing local grape varieties, through this commitment to quality and sustainability.

Italy’s regions

They are located in Castagnole delle Lanze, which is between the UNESCO hills of Langhe and Monferrato, Azienda Vitivinicola.  Gianni Doglia is known for producing expressive, site-driven wines that reflect deep respect for the land. The conscious choice to remain a small-scale, family-run business allows for hands-on attention at every stage. This philosophy results in wines that speak clearly of Monferrato’s identity.

Summer landscape in Langhe (Piedmont, Italy), with vineyards

A Family’s Viticultural And Enology Affair

Gianni Doglia is at the heart of the winery, and he’s supported by his sister Paola. They carry on work started by previous generations, using technology and data to optimize vineyard performance, maximizing quality grape yield. Barbera is the estate’s other cornerstone, which is certainly expressed through a range of nuanced styles. Their portfolio also includes wines from native varieties, such as Grignolino, Ruchè, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Arneis, and Cortese.

Gianni Doglia and his sister Paola

VISION AND VALUES

At the heart of the winery is Gianni, who is supported by his sister Paola. Together, they carry on the work started by the legacy of their father Bruno and grandfather Eugenio. And they combine passion with a focus on precision viticulture and rigorous Moscato winemaking.  Barbera is the estate’s other cornerstone, which is expressed through a range of nuanced styles. Their portfolio also includes wines from native varieties such as Grignolino, Ruchè, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Arneis, and Cortese.

They enjoy combining traditional know-how with a modern, precision-based approach to viticulture. Gianni has especially dedicated himself to refining the vinification of Moscato, a noble, aromatic grape that’s the estate’s crown jewel. The Doglia portfolio also includes important, characterful reds, with Barbera being their first and foremost, because it is so expressive.

THREE GUIDING VALUES OF GIANNI’S VISION

The Gianni Doglia project is shaped by a clear, artisanal, and deeply rooted viticultural vision. It was built around three fundamental values, which are desire, dialogue, and respect. It began with a constant desire for improvement, as a push for excellence that informs every decision. They start by being shaped, while selecting the most suitable vineyard sites. And that moves onto meticulous details applied throughout the production process.

Dialogue is the third daily practice with family, collaborators, and the land itself. It’s about listening, sharing, and exchanging ideas, while forming the basis of an open and conscious approach.  And the third is respect for translating into consistent and tangible choices. He calls it a cross-cutting value that underpins all decisions. This is from vineyard and cellar work to the way people and the land are managed.

Gianni and sister Paola Doglia

AGRONOMIC AND WINEMAKING PRACTICES

Their principle of respect is reflected in an agronomic approach, during the balances of ecological harmony and technical precision. This is with a permanent and natural ground cover to regenerative agriculture. According to their press release, “We dry farm, with no irrigation, which yield a low harvest. We also use manual interventions, only. Finally, we rigorously follow the organic practices of the National Rural Network (Sistema di Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata).

In organic systems, the National Rural Network CREA promotes the exchange of information among farmers, fostering dissemination of agroecological practices. They use “BioTools,” WP of CREA Worksheet 5.2 Actions for Organic Farming. With them, they explored the diverse realities that comprise the Peninsula’s organic production heritage. Representative farms, from key production sectors in the Italian agricultural landscape, were visited. There thematic meetings were organized between farmers, technicians, and other stakeholders. The main outcome of this activity was the production of thematic videos for each production sector. You can read more here.

Gianni Doglia Wines

THEIR REALM OF MOSCATO AND BARBERA

Moscato is the winery’s signature variety, vinified in two expressions. One is Moscato d’Asti DOCG “La Giostra” and the other is Canelli DOCG “Casa di Bianca.” The latter is sourced from a single, 60-year-old vineyard. Both wines are produced using the Martinotti Method (Charmat Method). This is achieved through gentle pressing and controlled temperatures, which preserves primary aromas, freshness, and natural residual sugar.

Barbera is interpreted through three distinctive expressions. One is Barbera d’Asti DOCG “Bosco Donne,” which is aged in stainless steel to preserve varietal purity. The second style is Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore “Genio,” aged in French oak. And, the third method is Nizza DOCG “Viti Vecchie.” This wine is crafted from old vines in Nizza Monferrato and Agliano, and aged in wood and is ideal for long-term aging.

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Written by Jo Diaz, a partner of Diaz Communications, who is helping to make stars realize their dreams. Edited by partner Jose Diaz. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz: jo@diaz-communications.com