This time, we’ve truly outdone ourselves and discovered something genuinely special: Sauvignon Blanc Pian Craie 2022 from Il Falchetto winery! No, this isn’t like the other Italian Sauvignon Blancs you may have tried. Stylistically, it leans much closer to the taut, mineral-driven wines of the Loire Valley that age beautifully. The 2022 vintage wasn’t chosen at random – it was a deliberate decision by both ourselves and the winemaker. Those extra months in the bottle were essential to enhance the wine’s complexity and character. What’s truly impressive, though, is how this Sauvignon bursts with freshness and zesty acidity, cleverly concealing its age and hinting at its ageing potential for years to come. Yes, you read that price correctly.
Il Falchetto winery is located in the village of Santo Stefano Belbo, in the province of Cuneo, about 10 km east of the Barbaresco zone. It’s owned by the Forno family, who have been rooted in the area since the 17th century. The winery’s story began in 1940, when Pietro Forno founded the estate with the aim of producing Moscato d’Asti in the Santo Stefano Belbo region. Moscato and Barbera are the winery’s flagship varieties, with Italian Wines 2013 describing Il Falchetto as “a benchmark for Moscato and Barbera.” Today, the estate is run by the fourth generation of the family – brothers Giorgio, Fabrizio, and Adriano – who continue the tradition by cultivating their own vineyards in the Langhe and Monferrato zones. They grow Moscato, Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Dolcetto, following organic farming principles. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the wines are known for their typicity, aromatic clarity, and outstanding value for money.
Sauvignon Blanc Pian Craie 2022 comes from Scorrone, in Agliano Terme, at the heart of Monferrato. The vineyard sits at 280 metres altitude and features a unique soil composition of limestone and chalk, resulting in wines with finesse, freshness, and distinct minerality. The grapes are hand-picked, gently pressed, and fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks – a method that preserves the purity and intensity of Sauvignon Blanc’s aromas. The wine then rests on its lees for 4–6 months, gaining structure and subtle complexity.
This is definitely one of the must-try wines of the summer.
