«I will come out with my first wines in the spring of 2023, now I’m deciding on the labels». The Vigolzonese Samuele Paraboschi is a 26-year-old passionate about oenology. Next spring he will open a winery on the hills of Vigolzone, a passion, transmitted by his father. “We always made some wine for the family, I decided that this was my path.”
At the end of his university studies in Oenology he went to Bordeaux to work six months in a winery. Then in New Zealand, in the Marlborough region, famous for Sauvignon Blanc. «Wine is my passion, I wanted to know the subject as much as possible, broaden horizons». He is part of a group of “travelling winemakers”. Then, the “Sonoma Valley” in California, USA. «I have accumulated several experiences in several wineries, in particular dedicating myself to Sauvignon Blanc, understanding the techniques around the world». Paraboschi also worked for a year in the Oltrepò Pavese, before settling in the Langhe, in Piedmont. «I’ve been working for a well-known winery for two years».
Six months ago, the to open a winery of his own. «My family believed in me and this small company, “Labrè“, was born. It is the name of the area of the hill of Vigolzone that the family bought twenty years ago». What does it mean? «Scholars of local history hypothesize a Lombard origin of the name, which would mean “fenced farm and cultivated with vineyards and fruit trees”. It seemed like a perfect name for my business.” A name also a good omen. «Obviously, for some years I have been carrying out micro-vinification to see if the “terroir” was suitable for the production of a great wine. But already the nickname of the area suggested that in this area, in the past, the land was fertile».
A very old vineyard, just over a hectare: here he planted Malvasia, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet. “I really believe in the hills of Piacenza – reflects Samuele – in Valnure and especially in aromatic Malvasia di Candia. For our territory it is “yellow gold”».
«I start with a small production, a few thousand bottles, I don’t want to take the step longer than the leg, it’s a limited activity. The intention is to put into practice in the vineyards of Vigolzone the maniacal care I learned in Piedmont. The vineyards are cared for as if they were children.” Samuele emphasizes that he was encouraged by his “neighbors”, producers already established and known in the environment: «They give me a lot of advice, we compare a lot in the sector. I hope to bring some innovation from the outside to our territory».
During the working week, Samuele engages in the Langhe. At the weekend he returns to Vigolzone to take care of the winery and lives right on the hill, a few meters away from the vineyards. “I can’t wait to present my wines.”
