With a winery located in the steep hills of Mango in Gramella, the Tintero family has been tending grapevines in the appellations of Moscato d'Asti and Langhe for four generations. While there is a strong traditional focus on high-quality Moscato, la familia Tintero devote a few plots of their sustainably farmed vineyards to other local Piemonte varieties, such as Arneis, Favorita, Dolcetto, Barbera and, of course, Nebbiolo. They also grow a little chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, which, considering the amazing value of their wines in general, we’ll forgive them for.
The estate is run by third-generation Marco and his partner, Cinzia. Cantine Tintero really began to establish itself after WW2, when brothers Giovanni and Carlo began selling Moscato grapes to local drinks giants, Cinzano and Martini (while making their own wines for local consumption). Carlo’s son (and Marco’s father), Elvio, played an instrumental role in expanding wine production and vineyard plantings in the 1980s, also developing the frizzante style which would come to define Piemonte Moscato. It was around this time that the DOC quality classification was begin developed. In 1993 Moscato was granted DOCG status – the top quality level for Italian appellation wines.
Produced from sustainably farmed vineyards, Tintero’s varietal still wines – our current favourites beings the white Arneis and red Nebbiolo – offer impeccable value. Approachable, affordable and speaking eloquently of their grape variety and Piedmontese terroir – these are fresh, characterful wines that seem to bring a smile to the face of everyone who tries them.
