Stefano Occhetti

Stefano turned to winemaking after a career as a civil engineer abroad. His roots are deep in the Roero community, so much so that his family name is the same as a cru and a village! He initially took over the vineyards planted by his grandfather to make his first vintage in 2019, where he and his wife Giulia set up their winery in Stefano’s family’s garage. They produced 4,000 bottles. They farm 3 ha of vines spread across several Roero villages, and a production of 12,000 bottles. Roero is known for its sandy soils which produce a more approachable style of Nebbiolo.

He practises organic viticulture as he feels this is the best way to convey the identity of the terroir. In the cellar he prefers spontaneous fermentation in concrete tank while ageing takes place in old oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel. The Langhe and Barbara are both aged for 7 months, while Sanche is aged for 20 months in new and old oak, while the Occhetti Riserva is solely in concrete for 20 months.

His wines show the hallmark floral perfume and brooding earthy undertones of the variety and are laced with a pure and vibrant energy.