Introduction: Born from a spirit of protest and a sense of humor about wine industry bureaucracy, Borgogno's "No Name" Langhe Nebbiolo is one of Piedmont's most distinctive insider wines. Conceived by Oscar Farinetti — who acquired the historic 1761 estate in 2008 — the deliberately unnamed label is an invitation to focus entirely on what's in the glass: a pure, terroir-driven Nebbiolo from the heart of Barolo.
Terroir: Sourced from estate vineyards clustered around the village of Barolo, the No Name is grown on south, southeast, and southwest-facing slopes at elevations ranging from roughly 280 to 350 meters above sea level. The soils are calcareous and clay marl of Tertiary Miocene origin — the ancient seabed geology that underlies the finest Barolo crus — imparting the mineral depth, structural tension, and aromatic complexity that define great Nebbiolo from this corner of the Langhe.
Tasting notes:
Ruby red with vivid violet-purple highlights, the the 2022 Giacomo Borgogno "No Name" Langhe Nebbiolo has aromas of violets, dried roses, and red cherries layered over hints of strawberries and brambly earth. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with flavors of red cherries, baking spices, and a whisper of licorice. Supple tannins and bright acidity give the wine structure and lift. Spontaneous fermentation in large concrete tanks and 24 months of aging in Slavonian oak impart depth and texture without masking Nebbiolo's inherent freshness, producing a wine that feels authentic and complete. The finish is long, with red fruits and a whisper of stony minerality.
Press:
92 points, Wine Spectator:
"This is beginning to reveal tertiary aromas and flavors of mushroom and autumn woods, along with macerated cherry, rose hip, licorice, iron and leather. Well-structured, fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2030. 3,500 cases made."
Overall Impression: The 2022 No Name is a compelling argument that Nebbiolo doesn't need a prestigious label to deliver serious pleasure — it carries the DNA of Barolo without the name. Certified organic since the 2019 harvest and made with zero selected yeasts, it is a wine of genuine integrity.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.0%
Farming Practices: Certified organic (since 2019 harvest); no chemical fertilizers; no herbicides; eco-friendly treatments only
Producer Name: Giacomo Borgogno & Figli
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Langhe DOC, Piedmont
Grape Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Manual harvest; de-stemmed; spontaneous fermentation in large concrete tanks at 22–28°C for approximately 15 days; soft pressing; aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for just over 2 years;
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork