Punset

About Punset

The Punset farm is in Neive, in the heart of the Langhe in Piedmont, on top of a hill that overlooks the historic capital. Punset derives its name from the Piedmontese dialect and has legendary origins: historically, the Counts of Castelborgo would use this name, which means “beautiful hill,” to describe their lands that emerged from the mists of autumn fog and could be admired from their castles.

The company is led today by Marina Marcarino who was destined for the vineyards since childhood. Exuberant, curious, and hyperactive, unable to find any kindergarten teachers brave enough to endure, Marina spent time with her grandmother who chose an unusual way to keep her granddaughter engaged. She led Marina to the country by opening the doors of a culture linked to the timing and methods of working the earth.

The deep bond with the land was strengthened further in 1982; during university, Marina was struck by organic farming, where she saw a new and authentic way to work with a deep knowledge that stems from the principles of absolute naturalness and a bond of mutual respect. Despite this, the initial impact of the practices in the vineyard proved to be very tough and the first crop was completely lost. Despite the setback, Marina pushed forward with a strong determination to persevere in her choices.

At the end of the ‘80s, the technical expertise in the field of wine was enhanced thanks to a period of overseas commercial training for Marina. This training was important for her growth as manager of Punset. Marina began formally converting the property to organic farming, rejecting the use of all kinds of pesticide and chemical products, and embracing the philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka, also called “agriculture of not doing,” the ideal that the farm is perfectly integrated into nature as is. Even in the cellar, the philosophy of “letting the vineyard speak” omits the use of selected yeasts and enzymes to allow the fruit to express the terroir of the vineyards.

Marina is an advocate for organic and biodynamic farming through her active participation in several organizations within Barbaresco DOCG. In 2004, Marina connected Punset with other Italian wineries of the same thought, founding the Vintesa Italian Wines Consortium which was created as “the understanding between organic winemakers.”

Her family estate has been passed down through 4 generations, but making wine was a family hobby before Marina took over. The estate has remained ancillary to the region of Nieve, thanks to its commitment to assume an identity of its own and a new dignity.

Additional Resources:

The Greene Grape Wine Shop Interview with Marina, March 2021