Elvio Cogno
Summary
Elvio Cogno is a 15-hectare family estate in Novello focused on Barolo production from the Ravera cru, where south-facing calcareous clay-limestone soils at 320-380 meters elevation impart distinctive minerality to their predominantly Nebbiolo plantings. Their winemaking balances tradition with thoughtful innovation through extended 30-40 day macerations, exclusive aging in large Slavonian oak botti, and sustainable vineyard practices that authentically express the classic character of their singular terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Elvio Cogno established his eponymous winery in 1990 in the Ravera cru of Novello, a commune in the Barolo DOCG zone of Piedmont. Prior to founding his own estate, Cogno had built his reputation as the winemaker at Marcarini in La Morra for over 25 years. The decision to create his own winery stemmed from his desire to focus exclusively on the terroir of Ravera, which he believed possessed exceptional qualities for Nebbiolo cultivation.
Today, the winery is led by Elvio's daughter Nadia Cogno and her husband Valter Fissore, who joined the family business in 1991. Valter, trained under Elvio's guidance, serves as the winemaker while Nadia manages the business operations. Following Elvio's passing in 2016, they have maintained the founder's commitment to traditional Piedmontese winemaking while implementing subtle refinements in vineyard management. The family's fourth generation has begun integration into the business, with Nadia and Valter's daughter Elena now involved in winery operations.
Vineyards & Wines
The Elvio Cogno estate encompasses 15 hectares of vineyards, all situated within the Ravera cru in Novello. These vineyards sit at elevations between 320 and 380 meters above sea level, with primarily south and southeast exposures that provide optimal sun exposure for Nebbiolo ripening. The soils consist of calcareous clay-limestone with significant deposits of marine sediments, characteristic of the Serravallian geological period that defines this section of the Barolo zone.
The estate's plantings include 11 hectares of Nebbiolo, with the remainder divided among Barbera, Dolcetto, and the indigenous white variety Nascetta. The Nebbiolo vineyards are further subdivided into distinct parcels, including Ravera, Bricco Pernice, and Vigna Elena, each vinified separately to highlight their individual characteristics. The Vigna Elena parcel, planted exclusively with the Rosè subvariety of Nebbiolo, produces a riserva Barolo named for Valter and Nadia's daughter.
The winery produces a focused portfolio of wines including four distinct Barolos: the flagship Ravera, the Cascina Nuova (from younger vines), the single-parcel Bricco Pernice, and the Vigna Elena Riserva. Additional offerings include Barbera d'Alba "Bricco dei Merli," Dolcetto d'Alba "Mandorlo," and the white Nascetta "Anas-Cëtta," a variety Elvio Cogno helped rescue from near extinction.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Elvio Cogno balances respect for tradition with practical modern applications. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with Barolo undergoing extended maceration periods ranging from 30 to 40 days depending on the vineyard parcel and vintage characteristics. This extended contact with the skins follows historical Barolo production methods while utilizing modern technology to prevent spoilage.
Aging protocols adhere to traditional timeframes, with Barolos maturing in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) ranging from 25 to 50 hectoliters in capacity. The standard Barolo Ravera ages for 24 months in these large casks, while the Bricco Pernice and Vigna Elena Riserva receive 36 months of cask aging. The winery deliberately avoids small French oak barrels for Nebbiolo, maintaining that large-format neutral vessels better preserve Nebbiolo's aromatic complexity.
In the vineyards, the estate practices sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention. Cover crops are maintained between rows to prevent erosion on the steep slopes and promote biodiversity. Vineyard management emphasizes manual operations, including green harvesting to control yields and hand harvesting with careful bunch selection. This meticulous approach in both vineyard and cellar reflects the family's commitment to expressing the distinctive character of the Ravera terroir through wines that balance power with elegance and aging potential.