The Wines of Diego Morra
The allure of Verduno is undeniable—a charming village, a slice of Piedmont’s heaven set against the backdrop of Italy’s most revered vineyards. Verduno gives the impression that time here is measured in vintages, not minutes or hours. And it was in this time-honored setting that I had the privilege of discovering the wines of Diego Morra, a winery that truly epitomizes the heart and soul of this fertile region. My love affair with Diego Morra's wines had begun months ago during a different jaunt through Piedmont's wineries. Back then, it was Marco Negri, a charming host in Neive, who introduced me to these fine wines. Fast-forward to the present, and here he was, welcoming us to Diego Morra with a broad smile and open arms. "I remember you," he chuckled. "Welcome back to my new home." The experience at Diego Morra began with a tour like no other. We journeyed through the winery’s veins—the meticulously kept barrel rooms exuding aromas of aging oak and maturing grapes. Marco’s narration echoed in the space, punctuated by our questinos, as he masterfully described the nuances of the Diego Morra winemaking process. Seated with a panoramic view of vineyards, including Monvigliero and Santa Stefano, the tasting was nothing short of spectacular. The Chardonnay offered an unexpected but delightful beginning—a flirtatious foreplay before the real stars came into the spotlight. Pelaverga, as always is a pleasant diversion—a local gem of Verduno, its vivacious, spicy profile lifted our spirits. And then came the Nebbiolo and Barolo—the prima donnas of Piedmontese wine. The day reached its zenith when Diego's wife graciously appeared, gifting us a vintage Barolo. "For being a good neighbor," she said, embodying the Italian spirit of warmth and generosity. "We must do this again," Marco insisted, sketching plans for future blind tastings. And just like that, over sublime wine and endless laughter, a promise was made for countless more afternoons filled with the joys of Italian wine. As we took our leave, my thoughts returned to the Diego Morra wines, and to Marco, the host who made the experience unforgettable. Verduno, and indeed Diego Morra, serves as a reminder that wine isn’t just about fermented grape juice—it’s about people, it's about terroir, and most importantly, it’s about the stories that flow as freely as the wine itself. From our house in Verduno, to the welcoming arms of Diego Morra, it seems the distance is not measured in miles but in moments of serendipity, of discovery and, above all, friendship. As we continue to exchange messages with Marco, I can only feel thankful for the beautiful neighborhood that makes us all feel like one big, happy Italian family. Until the next glass.
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