Langhe DOC Favorita a chat with producers

Langhe DOC Favorita is made from favorita grapes that have undergone animportant evolution: from a simple table variety to a fresh and elegant wine, perfect for those looking for a different expression of the Piedmont territory.

To find out what makes it special, we met with two winemakers who produce it and are bringing it back into vogue: so we thank Davide from Azienda Agricola Ghiga in Castiglione Tinella and Paolo from Cantina Rabino Luigi in Canale, who, amid anecdotes, challenges and ambitions, told us about their connection to the grape variety and the future they envision for their wine.

What are the characteristics that make it unique compared to other native grape varieties?

DAVIDE — We make wine mostly in steel, without the use of wood.

Favorita differs from other vines in the vineyard: we favor valley floors or north-facing areas for its cultivation because it has very thin-skinned grapes and large clusters, so it may suffer from direct sun exposure and high temperatures.

Paolo — For the name already differs from the others: favorita. Legend has it that Favorita was the favorite wine of the mistress of the King of Italy Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy, the famous Bela Rusin.

It was born as a table variety, not intended for winemaking: characterized by large berries and abundant bunches compared to other Piedmontese grapes. In the past, vintners grew it in the sunniest hillside locations-the surì-where the fruit ripened, taking on golden hues that increased its commercial appeal on market stalls.

Now it is grown in the somewhat cooler places with a northwest exposure.

What are the main difficulties in growing favorite? Has climate change affected the way you produce it?

DAVIDE — Fortunately, so far we have not noticed any major changes or problems. In the two major drought years, there has only been an increase in the alcohol content of the wine.

Paolo — It is a vine that is very susceptible to flavescence dorée, a disease that strikes the vine, causing it to be so stressed that it dies within two to three years. For this reason, production is low.

If you were to describe Favorita to someone who has never tasted it, what aromas, flavors and sensations should they expect?

DAVIDE — The Langhe DOC Favorita has good acidity and is very fruity, with very pleasant peach notes.

Its characteristics also vary depending on where it is grown: in the Roero, for example, it is more structured, while ours is lighter.

Paolo — Compared to the others, it is favored for its characteristics as a simple, quiet wine at times not too demanding. A wine for daily consumption also because of its not too high alcohol contents.

What dishes go best with this wine? Is there an ideal time to enjoy it?

DAVIDE — It goes very well with fish or white meat dishes but also with spicy foods: we have clients in Asia who pair it with specialties of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine!

Paolo — Langhe DOC Favorita is excellent aperitif wine for delicate dishes. Personally, it really intrigues me with seafood!

How is Favorita being received internationally? Are there any markets where it’s doing especially well?

DAVIDE — It is a wine that is liked abroad, because it is not the classic Arneis or Gavi that everyone knows, it is less popular, but that is why it intrigues. Among our customers are Americans, Dutch, Danish, a really diverse market!

Paolo — We have a more local than foreign market, Piedmont and Lombardy are our main customers, along with part of Liguria. The limited production does not allow us to have too large volumes.