CAREMA “LA COSTA – MAZZONY” 2022

Carema La Costa Mazzony 2022 – Three-dimensional heroic Nebbiolo from a 450m single parcel

Overview

The Carema La Costa Mazzony 2022 is a 100% Nebbiolo wine produced only in the best vintages from a tiny vineyard located at around 450 meters above sea level with a south-west exposure, in the Mazzony vineyard locally known as “La Costa”. It is an extremely precise territorial expression of heroic Carema viticulture, where every agronomic detail directly shapes the final result. Production is extremely limited and follows a radical artisanal approach. The wine is three-dimensional, highly spicy and deeply complex. The wine contains sulfites.

Origin and vineyard identity

The Mazzony vineyard, locally called La Costa, is one of the most vertical and identity-driven sites in Carema. The high altitude and south-west exposure allow slow and complete grape ripening, giving the wine complexity and strong aromatic definition. Production is only carried out in the best vintages, underlining a selective and non-continuous approach. Each bottle therefore becomes a unique and unrepeatable expression of the vineyard. The connection to the land is total and absolute.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyard philosophy is deeply rooted in heroic viticulture, where manual work is the only possible way to manage the vineyard. Steep slopes and fragmented parcels require precise, respectful and non-invasive farming. The goal is to preserve natural vine balance and expressive potential. Yields are extremely low, but grape quality is very high. Every intervention is carefully calibrated to enhance the unique character of the site.

Winemaking and varieties

The wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo, hand-harvested and processed using traditional methods. Grapes are foot-crushed and then undergo spontaneous fermentation in wood for about 35 days on skins with stems. Aging continues for 22 months in wood, followed by at least 6 months of bottle refinement. No fining or enological aids are used, except for a small dose of SO₂ at bottling. The result is a wine of great complexity, depth and aromatic tension.

Tasting notes

Color: deep ruby red with garnet reflections, dense and luminous.
Nose: highly complex and spicy, with ripe red fruit, dark spices, balsamic notes and mineral hints.
Palate: structured and three-dimensional, with dense but elegant tannins, great persistence and a spicy, savory finish.

Food pairing

Perfect with structured Piedmontese cuisine, rich red meats, game and braised dishes. Also excellent with aged cheeses and dishes featuring spices and reductions.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Carema DOC
• Wine name: La Costa – Mazzony 2022
• Producer: Carema project / Viano
• Vintage: 2022
• Region: Piedmont
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Altitude: 450 m a.s.l.
• Exposure: south-west
• Winemaking: foot crushing
• Fermentation: spontaneous in wood
• Maceration: 35 days with stems
• Aging: 22 months in wood
• Bottle aging: minimum 6 months
• Filtration: none
• Additives: none (except SO₂ at bottling)
• Bottle size: 0.75 L
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Serving temperature: 16–18°C
• Sulfites: contains sulfites

Monte Maletto CAREMA (TO) – HEROIC VITICULTURE IN NORTHERN PIEDMONT

Carema Winery – The return of heroic mountain viticulture

History of the territory and the winery

Carema, in Northern Piedmont, is one of the most extreme and fascinating expressions of Italian mountain viticulture, where heroic viticulture is not a marketing definition but a daily working condition. Vineyards are planted on steep terraced slopes built with dry stone walls, shaping a fragile balance between man and mountain. In recent years, the area has experienced a revival thanks to young winemakers such as Gian Marco Viano and estates like Monte Maletto, who have helped restore abandoned vineyards. These interventions saved ancient plots that were at risk of disappearing. The recent history of the winery is therefore a story of agricultural and cultural rebirth. Today, Carema is again recognized for its authentic mountain wines and extreme terroir expression.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyard philosophy is based on a clear principle: restore, preserve and interpret the landscape without forcing it. All vineyard work is fully manual due to steep slopes and complex terraces. Yields are intentionally low, resulting in highly concentrated and expressive grapes. Respect for soil balance and biodiversity guides every agronomic decision. Viticulture here is an act of resistance as much as production, where every cluster reflects the hardship of mountain farming. Nebbiolo finds a unique expression of minerality, tension and alpine character that cannot be replicated in flatter areas.

Winemaking approach

In the winery, the approach is consistent with vineyard work: minimal intervention, long timelines and respect for natural evolution. Fermentations are carefully managed but not intrusive, allowing the grape variety and terroir to fully express themselves. Aging is carried out in vessels that preserve rather than mask identity. The goal is not standardization but vintage and vineyard transparency. Human intervention is subtle and observational rather than corrective. This results in wines that directly reflect the vertical and tense character of Carema’s mountain terroir.

Identity and production vision

The estate currently works on about 0.5 hectares in Carema, plus a small parcel of Erbaluce in Parella. Production is extremely limited and focuses on two wines representing freshness and depth. The vision is not volume growth but territorial identity. Each wine is a precise interpretation of a micro-terroir. The project remains fully artisanal, where human scale is central. All wines contain sulfites.