From Agliano Terme, a mineral, linear expression of Nizza DOCG from a single vineyard
Castagnole delle Lanze, April 2026 – Gianni Doglia (link) presents Pontiselli, a new Nizza DOCG made from 100% Barbera, released in a limited run of around 600 bottles. Drawn from a single vineyard, the wine reflects a clear intent: to capture the identity of a specific site within the appellation.
It marks a further step for the winery, which had already highlighted the ageing potential of Barbera in the Nizza area with its Nizza DOCG (link) Viti Vecchie – a deeper, more structured expression sourced from historic vineyards.
A PROJECT TO FURTHER EXPLORE NIZZA DOCG
At the heart of the project lies a reflection on the expressive potential of Nizza DOCG, now among the most compelling denominations in Piedmont. The decision to vinify a single vineyard separately stems from the desire to capture the complexity of the place more precisely – moving away from stylistic synthesis in favour of a more site-driven expression.
“I strongly believe in Barbera grown in the Nizza DOCG area: it delivers some of the most complete profiles in terms of structure, aromatics and drinkability. With Pontiselli, we wanted to go a step further: not just interpret the grape, but let the place speak. A single vineyard, with its soil and its conditions, gives the wine a clear, recognisable identity” says Gianni Doglia
PONTISELLI: ONE VINEYARD, ONE IDENTITY
Pontiselli takes its name from the area of the same name in the municipality of Agliano Terme, on the eastern edge of the appellation, historically one of the most suited areas for Barbera. The vineyards lie at 180–200 metres above sea level on silty-marl soils with clay components, facing south/south-west. Vines are trained in Guyot, with manual harvesting of the healthiest and ripest grapes. After vinification, the wine ages 18 months in tonneaux and barriques.
The result is a wine with a mineral, almost graphite-like profile, where plum notes evolving into balsamic nuances: a vertical, precise profile with marked tension. On the palate, it is persistent and elegant, with acidity bringing freshness while maintaining roundness.
THE 2022 VINTAGE
The first vintage to be released is 2022, harvested in September after an exceptionally dry season. A low-rainfall spring and a virtually rainless summer put vineyards across Monferrato under pressure, until a storm in August helped restore balance in the final stages of ripening.
“2022 was the first year when we truly realised – in a tangible, almost stark way – that the climate has changed. It was a dry season right up to harvest, saved by a storm in August that allowed the vines to regain balance. Even so, the wine shows both strength and composure, holding together the power of Barbera and its natural elegance,” comments Gianni Doglia.
A NEW STEP IN THE NIZZA JOURNEY
With Pontiselli, Gianni Doglia moves further towards a more detailed reading of Nizza DOCG, focusing on individual vineyards and their ability to express distinct identities.
Produced from a single site and in limited quantities, this wine represents a natural continuation of the work already underway, while opening the door to further exploration of the denomination over time.
