“Vino Novello”: Palazzo Centofanti Tells the Story of Italy’s Youngest Wine
- Anastasia Centofanti
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
What Is “Vino Novello”? History, Curiosities, and Secrets of an Autumn Icon
Every year, as autumn arrives, a word begins to echo among wine lovers and shop shelves alike one that smells of falling leaves and roasted chestnuts: vino novello, or “new wine.”
But what exactly is this wine that announces itself with festive tones and early toasts?
At Palazzo Centofanti, we love to tell the story of wine in all its forms, even those we don’t produce ourselves. And vino novello deserves its own space here on our blog, because behind its bright ruby color and fruity aroma lies a story of technique, tradition, and a touch of magic.
The Secret Lies in “Carbonic Maceration”
Vino novello is born from a unique winemaking process, different from traditional methods: carbonic maceration. In simple terms, whole grape clusters are placed in large, sealed tanks filled with carbon dioxide. In this oxygen-free environment, the grapes begin an internal fermentation process that turns sugars into alcohol, without ever being crushed.
The result? A youthful wine with intense aromas of red fruits, cherries, raspberries, and violets; almost no tannins; and a soft, fresh flavor. It’s like capturing the very essence of autumn in a glass.
The Wine That Can’t Wait
Unlike aged wines, vino novello is meant to be enjoyed right away. It’s bottled just a few weeks after harvest and reaches glasses as early as the beginning of November. It’s a festive wine, perfect with roasted chestnuts, fresh cheeses, and the simple, hearty dishes of the season.
It doesn’t aspire to last over time and that’s exactly its charm. It’s an ode to spontaneity, to the here and now of wine: young, fresh, and convivial.
We Don’t Make It, but We Respect It
In our family-run winery, Palazzo Centofanti, we’ve chosen to focus on wines that tell the story of patience those that mature slowly and reveal their soul vintage after vintage.
But understanding vino novello means discovering another side of wine: one that celebrates the anticipation of a new season, the work just completed, and the joy of sharing the first fruits of the harvest.
It’s a fascinating chapter of Italian wine culture that, every autumn, renews the bond between vineyard and table.
Whether you love it or simply observe it from afar, vino novello reminds us that the world of wine isn’t only about barrels and long waits it’s also about freshness, curiosity, and experimentation.
And in the end, every bottle , novello or not, tells a story worth sharing.
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