Elvio Tintero Moscato d’Asti “Sorì Gramella”, Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2024

A French-Italian Love Story in Mango's Limestone Hills

Located in the steep but spectacular hills of Mango in the province of Cuneo, Azienda Agricola Tintero represents one of Piedmont's most authentic family wineries. Situated in the prestigious Località Gramella, this estate has been "tending the grapevines of this hillside area for four generations" and stands as a true "Symbol of Familiarity and Prestige" in the heart of Moscato d'Asti country.

The Pierre Tintero Legacy: From France to Piedmont's Vineyards

The remarkable Tintero story begins in 1900, when "a Frenchman named Pierre Tintero set out for Piedmont in search of work" and forever changed the landscape of Moscato production. He found an opportunity to do odd jobs at a small estate where widow Rosina Cortese was struggling to handle all the work herself.

Pierre, called "Pietrin" by the locals, quickly became a vital part of the estate and also fell in love with the widow, whom he married two years later. This romantic beginning established the foundation for what would become one of Moscato d'Asti's most respected producers.

Surviving War and Building Tradition

The couple continued to work the vines together and bottled their own Dolcetto for the first time just as war fell in 1914. Remarkably, years later their grandson would find a stash of this vintage hidden within the walls of the cellar, certainly a precaution against ransacking troops who passed through the area - a testament to the family's dedication to preserving their winemaking heritage.

Expanding the Estate: Giovanni and Carlo's Vision

Pietrin and Rosina's two sons, Giovanni and Carlo, eventually took over the estate and expanded it by purchasing adjacent vineyard plots. Initially, Moscato was just a tiny part of their production since it is only practical to produce it in large quantities, but after the Second World War giants Cinzano and Martini began producing the wine, so the brothers planted more of the variety to sell to these negociants while they continued bottling their still wines themselves.

The Elvio Era: Mastering Frizzante Production

The pivotal transformation came in the 1980s when Carlo's son Elvio began experimenting with the challenging process of frizzante wine production, allowing the family to take advantage of the grape's special affinity to the local terroir. This innovation coincided perfectly with the establishment of DOC quality classifications, and in 1993 Moscato reached top levels regarding protection and quality thanks to the D.O.C.G. initiatives.

The Modern Generation: Marco and Cinzia's Sustainable Vision

Today, Elvio has now handed the reins over to the next generation, but he continues to help his son Marco and daughter-in-law Cinzia run the estate. Under Marco's leadership, the winery has embraced sustainable agricultural practices, employing "agronomic practices that are less intrusive to the natural environment and monitored by specialized technicians to ensure quality and eco-friendliness."

Terroir Excellence: The Sorì Gramella Vineyard

The commune of Mango is the heart of Moscato country, and 20 of the Tinteros' 30 hectares are planted to this grape. Their crown jewel is the Sorì Gramella vineyard, where "Tintero is the only producer to bottle this striking single-vineyard, limestone amphitheater commercially".

Optimal Growing Conditions

Their largest parcel is in the Sorì Gramella vineyard, whose full southern exposure and gradient of more than 20% pamper the grapes with many long hours of sunshine, without even casting shadows from one row to the next as is the case in most vineyards. The term "Sorì" in Piedmontese indicates "the south-facing slope of a hill," while Gramella is the specific area name that gives this exceptional wine its distinctive character.

Winemaking Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity

The Tintero family's commitment extends far beyond Moscato d'Asti. While renowned for their flagship sweet sparkling wine, they also produce exceptional still wines including Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbaresco DOCG, Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba, and Langhe Arneis. Their diverse portfolio showcases the versatility of Piedmont's native grape varieties.

Innovative Production Techniques

For their signature Moscato d'Asti, grapes are harvested and pressed, then kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation; fermentation is allowed to begin only when an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. This innovative approach ensures maximum freshness and vivacity in every bottle.

Kermit Lynch Partnership and International Recognition

The estate's exceptional quality has attracted the attention of legendary American importer Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, known for personally selecting and importing only the finest French and Italian wines. This partnership has brought Tintero's wines to discerning American wine enthusiasts who appreciate authentic, terroir-driven expressions.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

"Our quest is aimed at the quality of our product, not only concerning the organoleptic aspects of wine, but also respecting the natural balance tied to it." The Tintero family continuously follows "the evolution of ecosystems, using more suitable and less 'revolutionary' agronomical practices" with specialized technicians ensuring compatibility "with both the protection of the environment and the care of natural space."

A Living Legacy in Every Bottle

Marco also maintains that same spirit in his other wines, which are all fresh, easy, and fun to drink with friends. From their exceptional single-vineyard Moscato d'Asti to their elegant Nebbiolo expressions, every bottle from Elvio Tintero reflects over a century of family dedication, innovative winemaking, and deep respect for Piedmont's unique terroir.

Today, Azienda Agricola Tintero stands as a testament to the enduring power of family tradition, sustainable viticulture, and the pursuit of excellence in one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions. Their wines capture the essence of Mango's limestone hills in every sparkling, sun-kissed sip.