Giacosa Fratelli

Giacosa Fratelli is a fifth-generation, family-owned winery in Piedmont, Italy, crafting wines that honor the heritage of their land while emphasizing sustainability. The winery was founded in 1895 by sharecropper Giuseppe Giacosa, who bought their Neive winery after winning the Italian lottery. His grandchildren expanded vineyard holdings and began bottling their own wines, and today, the family farms 50 hectares of vines across Piedmont including Monforte d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto in Barolo, Neive in Barbaresco and in Alba. The estate is now led by Maurizio and Paolo Giacosa and his twin sons, Alessandro and Mauro, who continue the family legacy while implementing modern practices for quality and sustainability.

Giacosa Fratelli owns some of the top plots in Piedmont, and is among a select few producers with vines in the prestigious southeast-facing cru of Scarrone, in Castiglione Falletto. Specifically, they have vines in a top south-facing portion by the village known as Vigna Mandorlo, or “Almond Vineyard,” an exceptional, high-altitude plot named for the almond trees that thrive there. The clay-limestone soils are ideal for Nebbiolo, yielding Barolo wines with remarkable complexity and aging potential. Over the years, the family acquired additional vineyards, including Cascina Canavere in Bussia and Bricco San Pietro in Monforte d’Alba. They also expanded in Neive, purchasing Nebbiolo vines in Basarin and Barbera vines in Vigna Bordini. Together, these vineyard holdings give Giacosa Fratelli a unique position, allowing them to produce an impressive lineup of estate wines across the region.

While long traditions and incredible terroir may not be entirely unique in Piedmont, their commitment to sustainability truly is. Maurizio, Paolo, Alessandro, and Mauro have been transforming the winery to reduce environmental impact. The winery runs on solar power, captures its own CO2 emissions and the family has developed an intricate water management system that turns rainwater into irrigation. Pesticides and herbicides are avoided, and fertilization is carried out using organic grape skins, a natural byproduct of their production process. Lightweight bottles further reduce the carbon footprint. Giacosa Fratelli exemplifies the best qualities of a family-run, historic winery that respects tradition and environmental stewardship. As they prepare to transition to a zero-emissions facility, they carry forward a legacy that blends Giuseppe Giacosa’s dream with five generations of dedication to the land, the vines, and sustainable practices that protect and preserve the essence of their wines.