Highly regarded by abbots, bishops and lords who cultivated it during the Middle Ages, Fara wine represented both a perfect wine for worship practices as well as a source of income to support the clerical community through its sale.
Despite containing a lower percentage of Nebbiolo in its blend, Fara is treasured by consumers as a youthful wine according to its acidity. It gained D.O.C. status in 1969.
Production area: municipalities of Fara Novarese and Briona, province of Biella.
Varietals (%): Nebbiolo (locally called Spanna) minimum from 50% to 70% minimum; other varietals such as Vespolina and Uva Rara (a.k.a. Bonarda Novarese) either alone or in blend up to 50% maximum. Other varietals if and only when allowed for cultivation in Piedmont up to 10%.
Colour: Ruby red.
Nose: fine and intense and very pleasant.
Palate: dry, sapid and well-balanced.
Ageing: minimum 22 months of which 12 in oak according to the designation guidelines. The Riserva version requires a longer ageing time of 34 months.
Serving temperature: 16°-18°C
Best if paired with: the classic dishes of Novara province such as braised beef, pork loin and sausages.