Fara DOC

Fara DOC sits within the provinces of Novara and Vercelli in northern Piedmont, covering the municipalities of Fara Novarese and Briona. At just 5 hectares, it ranks among the smallest wine-growing areas in all of Europe. It forms part of the Alto Piemonte cluster of appellations, a traditionally Nebbiolo-growing zone that stretches across the cooler, northern reaches of Piemonte.

• Total vineyard area of 5 hectares, making it one of Europe's smallest appellations
• Spans the municipalities of Fara Novarese and Briona
• Part of the Alto Piemonte group of northern Piedmont appellations
• Vineyards sit between 180 and 300 meters elevation

Fara experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, warm summers, and cool nights. The overall temperature profile is cooler than that of Barolo and Barbaresco, which contributes directly to the appellation's lighter, more perfumed wine style. Soils vary across the zone, combining calcareous clay with limestone content, marl, sandy soils, alluvial deposits, and clayey loam. This mosaic of soil types supports the finesse and aromatic complexity characteristic of Fara's wines.

• Continental climate with warm summers and cool nights
• Cooler overall than Barolo and Barbaresco
• Soils include calcareous clay, marl, sandy, alluvial, and clayey loam types
• Elevation ranges from 180 to 300 meters

Fara DOC is a red-wine-only appellation built around Nebbiolo, locally called Spanna, which must make up 50-70% of the blend. Vespolina contributes 30-50%, while Uva Rara (also known as Bonarda Novarese) may be included up to 40%. The lower proportion of Nebbiolo compared to other Piedmont DOCs gives Fara wines a more approachable character when young. Expect light, perfumed reds with tar and rose aromas, vibrant acidity, and genuine elegance.

• Nebbiolo (Spanna) 50-70%, providing structure and classic tar and rose character
• Vespolina 30-50%, contributing perfume and freshness
• Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese) up to 40%, adding roundness
• Lower Nebbiolo percentage makes wines more approachable young than Barolo or Barbaresco

Fara is considered one of the oldest wines in the Piedmont region. During the Middle Ages, the wine was prized by abbots, bishops, and lords who cultivated it both for worship practices and as a source of income. The appellation received DOC status in 1969, and its regulations remained unchanged for 41 years before being updated in 2010. Today, two notable producers, Il Chiosso and Boniperti Vignaioli, carry the appellation forward.

• Recognized as one of the oldest wines in Piedmont
• Historically cultivated by religious and noble figures in the Middle Ages
• DOC status awarded in 1969; regulations updated in 2010 for the first time
• Notable producers include Il Chiosso and Boniperti Vignaioli

Fara DOC mandates significant aging for both its standard and Riserva releases. Standard wines require a minimum of 22 months of aging before release. The Riserva designation demands at least 34 months. These requirements reflect the structured, age-worthy character of Nebbiolo-based wines even in this cooler, lighter-styled corner of Piedmont.

• Standard Fara: minimum 22 months aging
• Fara Riserva: minimum 34 months aging
• Aging rules reflect the structured, Nebbiolo-driven character of the wines