Santuvario, a natural wine producer in Alto Piemonte, Italy
Santuvario is a small natural wine producer based in the town of Borgomanero in Alto Piemonte, at the foot of the alps. The wine region is called Boca, and has been growing smaller. At one stage there were 1000 hectares here; now there are just 10.
The people behind Santuvario are Ivano Barbaglia and Paola Fornara, who began making these wines in 2012. Altitude here is between 400 and 500 m, and they farm old vines including Nebbiolo, Vespolina, Uva Rara and Croatina.
One interesting feature about the vineyards is a distinctive old training system called Maggiorina. I tasted these wines at the VinNatur event in Paris, November 2025.
Santuvario Gino Bianco 2022 Piemonte, Italy
12.5% alcohol. This is made from the Erbaluce grape variety, and it spends one month on skins. Honey, apple and spice on the nose. The palate is grainy with nice grip. Citrus, spice, and lovely depth and flavour. 93/100
Santuvario Lazio 2022 Piemonte, Italy
This is a blend of 80% Nebbiolo with 20% Vespolina, aged for three years in 500 and 1700 litre oak. Juicy, vivid and bright with nice energy. Sour cherry and raspberry fruit with some redcurrant brightness. There’s also some spicy structure. Refined and delicious with a savoury twist and also some structure as well as the fruit. 94/100
Santuvario Red Blend 2020 Piemonte, Italy
This is a blend of Croatina, Nebbiolo, Vespolino and Uvarara aged in 1700 litre oak. Juicy and energetic with raspberries and cherries, as well as some sweet acidity. Spicy and grippy with nice density. Alive, with nice brightness, as well as good depth and structure. 92/100
Santuvario Lavigna 2022 Piemonte, Italy
This is 100% Croatina aged in 500 litre oak. Dense and focused with sweet fruit, as well as nice grip. There’s a floral quality. Grippy and grainy and spicy with a lovely texture, bounded by sweet acidity. 93/100
UK agent: https://www.senlondon.com/
