Santuvario: Natural Wines from Alto Piemonte, Italy

By | 17 October 2026

Santuvario is a small natural wine producer based in Borgomanero, in Alto Piemonte, at the foot of the Alps. The local Boca wine region has contracted dramatically: where vineyards once covered around 1,000 hectares, only about 10 remain.

Ivano Barbaglia and Paola Fornara began making wine under the Santuvario name in 2012. Their vineyards sit at 400–500 metres above sea level and include old vines of Nebbiolo, Vespolina, Uva Rara and Croatina. Some are trained using Maggiorina, a distinctive traditional system. The wines below were tasted at the VinNatur event in Paris in November 2025.

  • Santuvario Gino Bianco 2022, Piemonte — Made from Erbaluce, with a month of skin contact. Honey, apple and spice lead into a grainy, grippy palate with citrus, spice and depth. 93/100
  • Santuvario Lazio 2022, Piemonte — 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Vespolina, aged for three years in 500- and 1,700-litre oak vessels. Bright and lively, with sour cherry, raspberry, redcurrant and spice. Refined, savoury and structured. 94/100
  • Santuvario Red Blend 2020, Piemonte — Croatina, Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara, aged in 1,700-litre oak. Juicy and energetic, with raspberry and cherry fruit, sweet acidity, spice and a firm, structured finish. 92/100
  • Santuvario Lavigna 2022, Piemonte — 100% Croatina, aged in 500-litre oak. Dense and focused, with sweet fruit, floral notes and a textured, grippy palate balanced by lively acidity. 93/100

UK agent: Sen London

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