Luigi Ferrando / Ferrando
Overview
The Ferrando family is the benchmark — and essentially the sole essential — producer of Carema, the northernmost Nebbiolo appellation in Piedmont. For generations they have farmed pergola-trained Nebbiolo on terraced granite slopes where alpine influence shapes a uniquely ethereal, mineral expression of the grape. The estate produces two labels of Carema: the Etichetta Nera (Black Label) top cuvée and the Etichetta Bianca (White Label), both of which are exceptional and age remarkably well.
Appellations
- Carema — DOC; northernmost Nebbiolo in Piedmont; pergola-trained vines on terraced granite
Key Wines
- Carema Etichetta Nera (Black Label) — Vinous 93–95; the top cuvée; deeper extraction and longer aging; the benchmark Carema
- Carema Etichetta Bianca (White Label) — Vinous 93–95; the “regular” bottling, still exceptional; slightly earlier-drinking but with remarkable aging potential
Style Notes
Ferrando’s Carema is the most ethereal, lightest-bodied expression of Nebbiolo. Alpine flowers, iron, dried herbs, and a distinctive stony minerality define both labels. The Etichetta Nera shows more depth and structure, while the Bianca is more immediately perfumed and accessible, but both share a delicacy and transparency that set them apart from the power of Barolo or the richness of Barbaresco. These are wines of extraordinary finesse that reward patience — 15–25+ years of cellaring for the Nera, 10–20 for the Bianca.
My Cellar
~30 bottles, vintages 2013–2020.
My Tastings
Sources
(cellar holdings; no article sources ingested yet)