Established in 1998 by Emanuele Anzivino, the winery began with a clear and deliberate objective: to dedicate itself to Nebbiolo in one of Italy's most distinctive and historically significant growing regions. Rather than following the more familiar path toward Barolo or Barbaresco, Emanuele looked north to Alto Piemonte and, more specifically, to Gattinara, a territory whose identity has been intertwined with Nebbiolo for centuries.

The decision was rooted in a simple conviction. Certain places possess the ability to express a grape variety in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere. For Anzivino, Gattinara was one of those places.

Today, the winery is guided by two generations working side by side. Emanuele and his son Andrea share responsibility for a project that remains firmly anchored in its origins while continuing to evolve. Experience and continuity meet a contemporary outlook, creating a natural balance between tradition and innovation.

Image: Emanuele Anzivino and his son Andrea Anzivino. Source: Anzivino

That relationship between past and future is central to the estate's identity. The vine chosen as the winery's emblem reflects exactly that philosophy: roots that run deep into the history of Gattinara, combined with a determination to continue growing and adapting for the generations ahead.

To understand Anzivino, however, it is necessary to understand Gattinara itself.

The hills surrounding the town are the remnants of an ancient supervolcano that shaped the landscape millions of years ago. The resulting soils, rich in volcanic porphyry, are among the most distinctive in Italian viticulture. Rare on a global scale, these formations contribute to wines noted for their mineral character, structure, and remarkable longevity.

For Nebbiolo, the combination is particularly significant.

While the grape achieves international fame in the Langhe, its expression in Alto Piemonte follows a different path. In Gattinara, Nebbiolo develops wines that often emphasise tension, precision, freshness, and mineral complexity alongside the tannic structure for which the variety is known. The volcanic soils and cooler Alpine influences create conditions that favour elegance and longevity rather than sheer power.

It is this interpretation of Nebbiolo that Anzivino has chosen to champion.

The region's connection to wine stretches back more than two thousand years. Viticulture was already established here during Roman times, and historical accounts describe the wines of Gattinara appearing at some of Europe's most important banquets. The area's reputation has endured through centuries of political change, economic shifts, and evolving wine fashions.

For Anzivino, these historical foundations are not simply a source of pride. They provide a framework for daily work in the vineyard.

The estate follows practices closely linked to local tradition. Vineyard work is carried out by hand, respecting the natural rhythms of the growing season. Harvesting is conducted manually, with each bunch selected individually. Traditional planting densities are maintained, while continuous attention is paid to preserving the integrity of the terroir.

Image: Vineyard in Gattinara. Source: Anzivino.

The winery itself reflects a similar respect for continuity.

At the centre of the estate stands a historic distillery dating back to 1862. When Emanuele Anzivino acquired and restored the property in 1998, the objective was not to erase its history but to preserve it. The building was transformed into a modern winery while retaining the architectural character and traces of its past.

Today, the estate has evolved beyond wine production alone. Visitors can stay among the vineyards, explore the landscape of Gattinara, and experience the rhythms of the region firsthand.

The courtyard that once served as a working space has been carefully renovated while maintaining the character of the original structure. Exposed brickwork, traditional green shutters, and seasonal bougainvillea preserve a sense of place that remains unmistakably tied to its history. It now serves as a gathering point for guests, tastings, and walks through the surrounding vineyards.

Perhaps nowhere is the estate's character more visible than in the Tinaia. Originally used to store grappa produced by the 19th-century distillery, the room retains its original brick vaults, thick walls, and naturally cool temperatures. Today it welcomes guests each morning for breakfast, offering a quiet and authentic connection to the property's past.

Image Source: Anzivino

The quality of Anzivino's work has recently received international recognition.

At the 2026 London Wine Competition, both Cesare Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2020 were awarded Gold Medals. The achievement highlights the growing attention being paid to Alto Piemonte and reinforces Gattinara's reputation as one of Italy's most compelling sources of age-worthy Nebbiolo.

Yet the story of Anzivino is not ultimately about awards. It is about commitment to a place and a grape variety that have shaped one another for centuries.

In an era when wine regions often compete through scale and visibility, Anzivino remains focused on something more enduring. The winery produces limited quantities of terroir-driven wines from a landscape unlike any other, guided by a belief that great Nebbiolo is inseparable from the place where it is grown.

More than twenty-five years after its founding, that original vision remains unchanged. The volcanic hills of Gattinara continue to provide the foundation, Nebbiolo remains at the centre of the estate's work, and two generations of the Anzivino family continue the task of translating one of Italy's most distinctive terroirs into wine.

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