Blazing a path for other women in Italy.
Virna (Borgogno) was the first woman in Italy to complete a degree in oenology and oenological techniques. In 2001, she took over the estate which has been in her family since 1720 and the winery was subsequently renamed, ‘Virna’. The estate comprises approximately 10ha in Barolo’s most prestigious areas; the Cannubi, Sarmassa and Preda vineyards. Virna respects The Green Experience discipline in the exercise of sustainable and eco-friendly viticulture. For the most part she adheres to the traditional Langa method with élévage in large oak casks and tonneaux for her two crus, Cannubi and Sarmassa.
Today, Virna is joined by her sister Ivana and nephew Lorenzo. Her main wine, Barolo ‘Noi’ weaves together different terroirs to create a terrific wine that is elegant yet powerful. Along with her two ‘cru’, she also makes a Barbaresco with ethereal aromas, a soft yet intense Barbera d’Alba plus a Langhe Nebbiolo and even a white from the Timorasso classic region to the south-east of Piedmont. These are wines of pure delight. Full-flavoured, well balanced for enjoyment with some spectacular red meat dishes – but give the wines plenty of time to breathe.
