In local dialect, muraje refers to the imposing rock walls that retain vine-laden terraces lining the steep slopes of the extraordinary amphitheater of Carema in Alto Piemonte. For centuries, this heroic viticultural technique has rendered possible the production of quite arguably the most enthralling expression of Nebbiolo in existence. The Nebbiolo planted in Carema is of the rare Picotener or Picotendro clone, which has gracefully adapted to the zone’s severe rainfall and high pH soils.
Enamored of this environment, Federico and Deborah Santini launched the Muraje label in 2016, having since restored 1.3 hectares of old-vine parcels boasting local grape varieties like Neyret, Ner d’Ala, Pugnet, and Vernasssa. Federico and Deborah vinify trace quantities of their ethereal wines in a tiny garage tucked among the winding streets of historic Carema.
We have 3 cuvees to offer:
2020 Muraje Fileura White Wine
2021 Muraje Lasu Vino Rosso
2020 Muraje Nebbiolo “Sumie” Carema DOCG
2020 Muraje Fileura White Wine
“I highly recommend grabbing one of the (sadly scant) bottles of Fileura. The white is foot-trodden, spontaneously fermented, and a world away from the light/snappy/sometimes a tad watery iteration of Erbaluce that are better for quenching thirst after an alpine hike. Filura is substantial, deserves a meal, and will spark thoughts about what’s really possible from this variety.”-our supplier on his visit.
The grapes are 100% Erbaluce (local white grapevine varieties, widespread in the Canavese and Pre-Alpine areas); the vines are on average 50 years old and are trained using the ancient ‘pergola caremese’ (‘topia’ in local dialect) method. The surface planted with Erbaluce is extremely small and fragmented for a truly limited production.
Fileura is the dialect term to indicate the fourth wooden beam (starting from the lowest which is the Sumié) of the order of beams that make up the caremese pergola structure (topia): the Fileura is the thinnest and highest beam, it rests perpendicularly on the Lasú (under which there are first the “Percia” and then the “Sumié”). This version of Fileura wine is made up of the union of the 2019 and 2020 vintages, because they were complementary wines.
A subtle, decisive, elegant, whispered white wine that requires attention and time in the glass. The permanence in the bottle will certainly still provide growth prospects. -the winery
2021 Muraje Lasu Vino Rosso
The 2021 Lasú vino rosso goes into barrel for 6-8 months. After malolactic fermentation, the wine stays in stainless steel until being bottled in September. Almost half of the Lasú is Neret, a grape with less tannin/acid than Picotendro.
The grapes are about 60% Nebbiolo and 40% other local red grapevine varieties, widespread in the Canavese and Pre-Alpine areas (Neyret, Ner d’Ala, Vernassa and others); the vines are on everage 50 years old and are trained using the ancient ‘pergola caremese’ (‘topia’ in local dialect) method.
Lasú is an extremely elegant wine, ethereal, delicate, and playful, a featherweight packing flavor and juice. It gives the false impression of simplicity and is yet entirely unique, an approachable wine with an intellectual soul. High-toned with a crunchy red fruits and hints of spice including white pepper. Tannins are subtle, leaving a wine that is extremely approachable and versatile. This wine can easily accompany dishes that would otherwise pair with a white or rosè.-the winery
2020 Muraje Nebbiolo “Sumie” Carema DOCG
The grapes are 100% Nebbiolo (Picotendro biotype) from vines which are on average 50 years old.
"We tasted the 2020 Sumié Carema DOC from barrel. It smelled like fresh cherry juice. The finish was fine chalk. Beautiful translucent light red color, undertones of wild herbs. Significant months in wood and concrete haven’t softened the immediacy of this bright red. " -our supplier on his visit to the vineyard.
A very elegant and refined vintage, which gave rise to a wine in perfect “Carema style”: a crystalline wine with notable gustatory tension due to a marked acidity and excellent savory, the fruit is very intact and crunchy, the measured and airy body leads to compulsive drinking and fulfilling. His expressive parable is just beginning. - the winery