Elvio Cogno: The Master of Ravera On Sale!

Azienda Agricola Cogno. Family members walking the vineyards.
 

Tucked into the rolling hills of Novello, the Elvio Cogno estate stands as one of Barolo’s most revered names—a house that seamlessly weaves deep tradition with a spirit of quiet innovation. Ravera is often considered among the greatest single vineyards in all of Barolo, and why the Cogno family has earned its reputation as its most devoted steward. Trying to describe the wines from this vineyard is a task doomed to do disservice to the wines themselves. You can’t mirror the sensory experience of a world class wine with words, you can only paint a picture of their shadow. The residue of flavor memory that you wish you could experience one again. Let us tell you about the history of these wines and the people that make them, and perhaps you’ll be compelled to source your first sip.

The story begins with Elvio Cogno himself, a visionary who spent years as the winemaker at La Morra’s Marcarini estate before striking out to create his own label in the 1990s. His dream was to return to his family’s roots in Novello, a village less recognized at the time but one that held immense potential for producing singular, terroir-driven Barolo. Elvio’s decision to invest in Ravera was bold, and history has proven him right—the vineyard is now regarded as the crown jewel of Novello. Today, the estate is guided with passion and precision by his daughter Nadia Cogno and her husband, Valter Fissore, who have become among the most respected custodians of traditional Barolo. Valter, in particular, is widely admired for his exacting vineyard work and his ability to translate Ravera’s soils into wines of breathtaking clarity.

At the heart of the Cogno philosophy lies a profound respect for the land. Farming is carried out sustainably, with careful attention paid to preserving biodiversity in the vineyards. The cellar, too, reflects a commitment to authenticity: fermentations unfold slowly in stainless steel, and élevage takes place in large Slavonian oak casks—an old-school approach that highlights Nebbiolo’s finesse while letting the nuances of Ravera shine through. The resulting wines are not just powerful but also supremely elegant, marked by fine tannins, lifted aromatics, and an uncanny ability to age for decades while gaining depth and complexity.

Every time we’ve tasted Ravera we’re transported to the people, the place, and the soul of Barolo. The texture of these wines is consistently seamless and the mouthfeel is enveloping. Nebbiolo’s natural tannins show prominently but are folded in a robe of dark cherry fruit, espresso, and roses. We cannot recommend this winery or this vineyard highly enough. Valentine’s day may be past, but there’s never a wrong time to love yourself.
 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Elvio Cogno
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Elvio Cogno
 
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Sale ends Wednesday, February 18th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer five in-stock Elvio Cogno options on sale now, including:
 
Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.77 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Floral aromas of rose and iris mingle with red berry and tilled earth on this perfumed red. Elegantly structured, the vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise before a savory, almost salty finish. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it balanced. Drink through 2030.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Barolo Cascina Nuova is fine-tuned with plenty of wild berry, cassis, grilled herb and crushed stone. The aromas are quite classic for Nebbiolo, but what stands out here is the directness and freshness with which they are delivered. The tannins are tucked carefully inside the smooth, silky character of this elegant wine.”

Elvio Cogno Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $88, that’s $83.60 at 5% off and $79.20 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera makes a statement with its intense aromas of licorice, kirsch, pipe tobacco, and spice. Revealing a balanced and chiseled structure, the palate conveys dried raspberry, blood orange, and dried herbs. A great wine from the 2017 vintage, it feels like it will hold up to the test of time. Drink 2024-2042”

 
Elvio Cogno Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $88, that’s $83.60 at 5% off and $79.20 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Elvio Cogno 2018 Barolo Ravera is becoming one of the most important wines in Novello, and it performs very nicely in this more challenging vintage. In fact, 2018 helps to cement Ravera’s steadfast reputation precisely because it performs so well despite spells of humidity and heat. The wine shows small-berry detailing with rust and crushed stone at the back. There is a point of bitterness that accompanies the tannins of this full-bodied wine. Production is 15,000 bottles”
 
Elvio Cogno Ravera Bricco Pernice, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. Enticing scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry and an earthy whiff of truffle shape the fragrant nose on this dazzling wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate boasts structure and a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cherry compote, cinnamon and star anise. Taut polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an elegant structure. It’s already irresistible but will also age well for years. Drink 2022–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Elvio Cogno 2015 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice delivers the depth, richness and concentration that are a hallmark of this pretty vintage. This wine is a pure expression of the productive Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Generous layers of blackberry, wild cherry, rose hip, ferrous earth and campfire ash are neatly folded together to build the wine’s intensity. Like the other wines from this estate, the tannic management is spot-on. You are aware of the wine’s youthful structure, but it is delivered without hard edges or sharp points. A mere 4,000 bottles were produced.”

Elvio Cogno Ravera Bricco Pernice, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This is a medium-bodied Nebbiolo from a hot vintage with a ruby-tinged appearance. The 2017 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice shows generous inner fiber and richness with dried cherry, blackberry, plum and dark spice. Fruit for this wine comes from a beautiful amphitheater of vines with the perched town of Novello high up on the skyline. I love the especially smooth and soft quality to what is a powerful and lasting wine. Only 3,500 bottles were made.”