Interview with Cinzia Travaglini – Travaglini Gattinara

1) What moment marked your love for Northern Piedmont wine?
I was born in Gattinara into a family of wine producers. After high school, in 1987 at the age of 20, I began working in the winery—both in the vineyards and in the office. My parents never pressured me to continue in viticulture, but working side by side with my father Giancarlo every day, I absorbed his passion and curiosity for everything related to the wine world.

2) Tell us about your background before becoming involved in winemaking.
I studied accounting in high school, but I always helped out in the winery. I spent countless Sundays alongside my father Giancarlo, who taught me the secrets of Nebbiolo. Those Sundays and harvest times—just as they were in my childhood—remain my sweetest memories: moments of family, celebration, and teamwork. Today, I’m proud to be a devoted wife and mother, watching my daughters take their first steps in the company.

4) Can you describe the harvest process? What makes it unique?
Harvest begins in late September or early October. It's always a joyful time—seeing perfectly ripe bunches fills us with pride. For red wines, the process takes around 15 days. However, in late August, we pick select bunches over 3–4 days for our sparkling wine, Nebolè. We harvest entirely by hand, with around 30 people carefully selecting each bunch to ensure only the best grapes make it to the cellar.

5) What do you consider when designing a bottle for the market?
Thanks to Giancarlo, who designed our iconic "twisted bottle shape," we inherited a strong identity. When creating new packaging or labels, our goal is always to enhance that unique shape while maintaining a cohesive style across our range for instant recognition.

6) How do you know when it’s an excellent vintage?
You never truly know until all the grapes are in the winery. We can anticipate based on seasonal trends—temperature, rainfall, and chemical analysis—but weather events like hail or rain can affect things up to the very last moment. Still, deep down, we often have an early sense if a vintage will be exceptional.

7) Are you experimenting with any non-traditional varietals?
Currently, we focus solely on Nebbiolo. The DOCG regulations only allow Nebbiolo, Bonarda, and Vespolina in our region, but we’ve chosen to work exclusively with single-varietal Nebbiolo. We believe in its power and potential. We are proud to produce seven different expressions from one terroir and one grape.

8) What is the biggest challenge facing Northern Piedmont’s wine industry today?
The region is thriving, with rising demand and promising growth. Our greatest challenge is to maintain high quality and consistently meet the expectations of wine lovers and collectors.

9) What would you hope people say about your wine?
We hope our wines are appreciated and chosen for special moments. Of course, it's deeply rewarding when people speak positively about what we produce.

10) When is the best time to visit Northern Piedmont?
From spring through fall. It’s a wonderful time to walk through the vineyards of Gattinara, watch the growth of the vines, and experience the joy of harvest. The weather is perfect, and you're close to the mountains and beautiful lakes like Maggiore and Orta.

11) What’s one aspect of your job that might surprise people?
Passion. When we share our story, values, and philosophy, it's the passion passed down through generations that we want to convey. It’s what drives everything we do.

12) Which of your wines best tells the story of the region?
That’s a difficult question. Each Travaglini wine is a unique expression of Gattinara and our style. One that’s particularly close to our hearts is Il Sogno—a wine dedicated to Giancarlo.

13) How has Northern Piedmont matured, and how is it changing perceptions?
Gattinara is a small appellation with centuries of history and culture. Its high quality and value make it a hidden gem. It has rightfully earned a place on some of the world’s finest wine lists—as a worthy alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco.

14) Do you have a favorite wine outside Northern Piedmont?
I’m very curious and love tasting wines from other Italian regions and countries. I don’t have a single favorite, but whenever I want a truly satisfying wine, I still reach for a Nebbiolo.

15) How did Clemente and Arturo Travaglini influence your experience?
The person who inspired me most was my father, Giancarlo. He was a kind man, deeply dedicated to his family, work, and land. His passion, strength, and resilience helped me navigate even the toughest moments. The foundations he built continue to support the company today.

16) What’s next for Travaglini Gattinara?
While we stay rooted in tradition, we’re embracing innovation. We’re building a new aging and storage area, including a library for historical vintages. We’ve been producing Nebolè, a 100% Nebbiolo blanc de noirs pas dosé, since 2010, and we’re excited to soon release our single-vineyard Riserva “Vigneto Ronchi” from the 2018 vintage.

17) What does wine mean to you in one word—and why?
Sharing. Wine brings people together. It creates connection, joy, and unforgettable moments—even among strangers—united by a shared passion.