LANGHE FAVORITA: A grape variety destined to disappear?
Are you familiar with the native Langhe Favorita grape variety?
It belongs to the “Vermentino” family, having made its way to Piedmont through the olive oil and salt routes from nearby Liguria.
Initially used only as a table grape, in the early 1800s it began to be vinified by some farmers. The result was astounding, and this wine reached the most important European courts. It became a D.O.C. in 1994.
Unfortunately, two factors threaten the existence of this magnificent grape variety:
– On one hand, there’s the “disease of the century” in viticulture: flavescence dorée. In fact, “Favorita” is the second most sensitive grape variety in Piedmont to attacks by the leafhopper, the insect responsible for the disease.
– On the other hand, there are producers who have little faith in this grape variety, often considered a second-choice white wine. Many even propose changing its name to “Piedmont Vermentino” to make it more appealing to the international market.
So, what does the future hold for the native Langhe Favorita grape variety?
It’s uncertain, but as a winery, we strongly believe in it, so much so that we’ve made “Favorita” our flagship white wine, our crown jewel.
Because, if it’s true that Roero Arneis is the KING of white wines in the Roero area, Langhe Favorita is undoubtedly its PRINCE!