Tibaldi

Monica and Daniela Tibaldi are two young sisters who took the plunge in 2014 to produce wines from their family vineyards. It was Monica who got into wine first, studying oenology in Alba, working for a year for big producer, Fontanafredda, and completing her masters in Madrid. She persuaded Daniela – an accountant by training – into the new venture via a vintage in Marlborough, New Zealand and a sommelier course. In fact, they are the fourth generation of the family to grow grapes, their father, Stefano, and grandfather, Tunin, still helping out in the vines. Located at Pocapaglia, 25 minutes west of Alba, they are in the heart of the Roero region which they feel, with better promotion, should be on a par with Barolo and Barbaresco.

Pocapaglia means ‘little straw’ so, with its distinctly sandy soils, it’s probably better wine than wheat country! They specialise in grapes typical of the Roero region, championing the traditional local grape, Favorita; “It’s Riesling-like” says Daniela. They have close to 7 ha in total, located in three distinct zones. Firstly Mormore, with its sea shells and fossils, is great for Favorita. Secondly Bricco delle Passere lends itself to Arneis. Thirdly at Santa Vittoria d’Alba, the Coste Anforiano vineyard above the Tanaro River, has more clayey soil and is therefore ideal for reds, Nebbiolo and Barbera.

The vines are cultivated organically and certification is awaited. “We love the fruit, me and Monica,” says Daniela “so we don’t use any wood except on a small cuvée of Roero Nebbiolo.” Their wines are fresh and delicious indeed.