I Carpini Winery

I Carpini is an organic winery rooted in the rolling hills of Pozzol Groppo in the Colli Tortonesi, a borderland where Piedmont meets Lombardy and Emilia. Established in 1998 by the Ghislandi family, the estate was born from a dream to create wines that are not merely products, but expressions of place, time and nature itself. When the family purchased and restored an old farmhouse surrounded by woods and vineyards, they envisioned a project where biodiversity, respect for the land and patience would guide every decision in both vineyard and cellar.

The name I Carpini comes from the hornbeam trees (carpini in Italian) that grow naturally around the property, symbolising the deep connection between the winery and its environment. From the beginning, the Ghislandis embraced a holistic philosophy: the vineyard is seen as part of a larger ecosystem in which soil, plants, insects, birds and microorganisms live in symbiosis. This vision goes beyond standard organic farming, respecting the balance of nature and intervening only when necessary and always in conformity with organic guidelines.

The vineyards stretch over clay and limestone soils at elevations of around 380–420 meters above sea level, ideal for native and traditional varieties such as Timorasso — a rare and characterful white grape — and Barbera. Gentle day–night temperature variations and the diverse microclimate of the Colli Tortonesi give the wines both aromatic complexity and structural balance.

In the winery, patience and respect for time are central. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermentation relies on native yeasts through slow, natural processes, with minimal sulphite additions only at bottling. Wines are aged in stainless steel, clay amphorae or neutral oak depending on the desired expression, and released only when they have reached full maturity.

The range of I Carpini reflects the diversity of its vineyards and the character of the Colli Tortonesi. Timorasso lies at the heart of the estate’s identity, produced in several interpretations — from fresh and vibrant styles like Rugiada del Mattino, to more structured and textural expressions such as Timox, made with extended maceration and amphora aging. Barbera wines, including Sette Zolle, celebrate the region’s classic red variety with depth, energy and freshness. Elegant traditional-method sparkling wines and occasional limited bottlings complete the portfolio.

Throughout its history, I Carpini has been guided by the belief that wine is never in a rush — a philosophy rooted in observation, restraint and trust in time. From the vineyard to the label, every bottle reflects a deep respect for nature, terroir and the patience that true quality demands.