I recently had the opportunity to visit Mirabella Franciacorta in Paderno Franciacorta, during my wine journey through Italy. The visit gave me an opportunity to learn more about the winery, its wines and its approach to Pinot Bianco.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit however, was meeting Teresio Schiavi, the man who, together with his friend Giacomo Cavalli, founded Mirabella in 1979.
Teresio is an oenologist from Pavia who came to the Brescia area in the early 1970s and became involved in the wine industry here. In 1979, he and Giacomo Cavalli started Mirabella in Paderno Franciacorta, at a time when Franciacorta was beginning its journey towards becoming one of Italy’s important traditional method sparkling wine regions.
What I found particularly about interesting was Teresio’s early conviction in Pinot Bianco.
Just two years after establishing Mirabella, in 1981, he planted five hectares of Pinot Bianco. At a time when Chardonnay was gaining increasing importance, Teresio saw something special in Pinot Bianco – its freshness, finesse and ability to bring balance to a blend.
That interest in the variety developed into a long term journey of experimentation and research.
In fact during my visit, I was shown an experimental vineyard with 11 different clones of Pinot Bianco, planted specifically for study. Seeing the different clones growing side by side was fascinating. It showed me how a winemaker’s conviction from decades ago can continue to evolve through observation, experimentation and research.
This journey eventually led Mirabella to produce its 100% Pinot Bianco Franciacorta, from the 2015 harvest, together with Teresio’s sons Alessandro and Alberto. Today, Pinot Bianco remains an important part of Mirabella’s identity, with around 12 hectares planted at the estate.
Teresio’s contribution also goes beyond Mirabella. He was among the signatories involved in the establishment of the Franciacorta Consortium, as the producers of the region came together to build a stronger identity for Franciacorta.
The tasting at the end of my visit brought this story together beautifully. I tasted:
• Mirabella Demetra Pinot Bianco
• Mirabella Edea Satèn
• Mirabella Demetra Millesimato 2021
• Mirabella Edea Brut
• Mirabella Edea Rosé
What I found particularly interesting was how Pinot Bianco is used strategically to shape different cuvées – sometimes taking the lead, and at other times working alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to bring freshness, finesse and balance.
So, from the five hectares planted in 1981 to an experimental vineyard with 11 different clones, and finally to the wines in my glass, Teresio Schiavi’s journey with Pinot Bianco is a fascinating example of how a winemaker’s early conviction can become a long term philosophy.
And then there was the personal touch: Teresio himself came to the winery to meet me during my visit. It made an already special visit to Mirabella even more memorable.
A wonderful encounter with a man whose story is closely connected with Mirabella, Pinot Bianco and the evolution of Franciacorta. 🥂🇮🇹
Cheers !!
