Mura Mura: Crafting Piemonte’s Wine Future.
Embedded in the picturesque Piedmontese landscape, Mura Mura Winery offers visitors an unforgettable experience, where the beauty of the estate, the warm hospitality of its owners, and a dedication to crafting exceptional wines come together seamlessly.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Langhe, the winery not only produces high quality wines but also immerses guests in a rich history of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. From the striking details on the labels to the meticulously designed vineyards and cellars, every aspect of Mura Mura tells a story. Leading this extraordinary winery are Guido Martinetti and Federico Grom, whose journey from organic fruit farming and artisanal ice cream making to becoming distinguished winemakers is nothing short of inspiring.
Last summer we had the opportunity to visit this impressive project, as we were welcomed by Guido Martinetti.
Guido Martinetti: from ice cream and organic fruit farming to winemaking
Guido Martinetti’s life story is one of unexpected turns and remarkable achievements. Before entering the world of winemaking, Guido was an influential figure in the food industry, having earned a reputation as one of the finest ice cream makers in the world. His passion for high-quality, natural ingredients and his obsession with detail in crafting the perfect flavour made his ice cream business a success internationally. However, Guido found his calling in the vineyards at young age and has decided to return. He was drawn to the idea of producing something as equally soulful and grounded in tradition as the products he had created before.
His comeback to wine was guided by a deep respect for nature and craftsmanship. Taking the same principles of organic fruit farming and attention to detail that had made him successful in food production, Guido founded Mura Mura Winery together with his business partner Federico Grom.
His story reflects his dedication to quality, innovation, and a reverence for the land. This ethos carries through to the wine-making process at Mura Mura, where his approach combines a respect for tradition with a modern, forward-thinking philosophy.
The Estate: a Blend of Nature, Luxury, and Hospitality
One of the highlights of a visit to Mura Mura is the estate itself. The winery is set on the picturesque hills of Langhe, one of Italy’s most revered wine-producing regions. The landscape is dotted with carefully tended vineyards, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking. But it’s not just the natural beauty that captivates; it’s also the design and attention to detail that is evident at every turn.
Guests can also enjoy the luxurious Le Marne Relais, a beautiful hotel that perfectly blends with the surrounding landscape. The relais offers an elegant and comfortable place to stay, with rooms that reflect the same understated sophistication found throughout the winery. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of wine-tasting or simply want to indulge in the peace and serenity of the region, Le Marne Relais offers a perfect retreat.
For those of us with a passion for food as well as wine, the gastronomic restaurant Radici offers a culinary experience that pairs beautifully with the wines of Mura Mura. With an emphasis on local, organic produce, Radici celebrates the region’s rich culinary traditions. The combination of exceptional wine and top-notch cuisine enhances the overall experience of the estate, offering guests a full immersion into the world of Mura Mura.
The Winemaking Process
Mura Mura is committed to organic farming, with a philosophy that places the environment and the health of the vineyards at the forefront. The winery’s approach to winemaking is rooted in sustainability, ensuring that the land and vines are treated with the utmost care. This dedication to organic principles ensures that the wines produced are not only of the highest quality but are also in harmony with nature. From the choice of vine varieties to the delicate handling of the grapes, every step in the process reflects Guido’s deep care for the environment and the grapes themselves.
At Mura Mura, the winemaking process combines traditional methods with innovative techniques, allowing the wines to reflect both the heritage of the Piemonte region and the unique vision of Guido. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the precision of the harvest to the use of modern winemaking equipment designed to preserve the integrity of the grapes.
Two Inspiring Wine Styles: Rigore and Fantasia
Mura Mura Winery produces two distinct wine styles, each representing a different approach to the art of winemaking. The first, Rigore, is a tribute to the traditional winemaking of Barbaresco, with a focus on Nebbiolo, the region’s flagship grape. Rigore is a Barbaresco cru, where the classic style of Barbaresco is interpreted with a unique vision that preserves the essence of the grape while adding a modern twist. This wine is elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, showcasing the complexity and the timeless character of the Nebbiolo grape.
On the other hand, the Fantasia wines break away from tradition, offering an expressive and fruit-forward style. The wines are closer to the classic Barolo style, but with a distinctive personality that brings out the natural fruitiness of the grapes. The Fantasia wines are a perfect example of Guido’s innovative approach to winemaking, where he pushes the boundaries of traditional Piemonte wines while still maintaining respect for the region’s winemaking heritage. These wines are bold and captivating, offering a unique taste experience that is both modern and authentic.
Both styles of wine at Mura Mura embody the winery’s commitment to organic practices, with no chemicals or artificial additives used during the winemaking process. Every bottle reflects Guido Martinetti’s dedication to producing wines that are in perfect harmony with nature, allowing the natural character of the grapes and the terroir to shine through.
The Wines
Below an introduction of the wines we tasted during our visit, including our tasting notes and ratings.
2021 Bianca
100% Favorita
Bianca is an aromatic wine with the signature freshness of the Favorita grape. Its nose bursts with citrus, white flowers, and a touch of ripe stone fruit. On the palate, it’s full-bodied yet crisp, with vibrant acidity and a mineral edge that adds depth. The smooth texture and long finish showcase its careful crafting and make it a standout.
We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.
2022 Beatrice
100% Timorasso
This Timorasso offers a striking balance of rich texture and crisp acidity. The nose is bright, with hints of cherry blossom, ripe pear, sage and a touch of honeyed sweetness. There’s a slight floral nuance, mingling with an undertone of almonds and a subtle, creamy depth. On the palate, it’s full-bodied yet fresh, with a fine minerality and a lingering, slightly bitter finish.
We award this wine with a 91-point DWA score.
2020 Miolera
100% Barbera
Miolera is an elegant, captivating Barbera with an immediate appeal. Its nose offers ripe red fruit, a hint of spice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it’s smooth and refined, with soft tannins and a burst of freshness. The balance of depth and approachability showcases the unique character of its sandy loam terroir.
We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.
2019 Romeo
80% Barbera, 15% Nebbiolo, 4% Grignolino, 1% Ruche
Romeo is a blend that stands out for its elegance and depth. It offers enticing aromas of red currant, tobacco, and a hint of spice. The fine, silky tannins add structure and refinement, while the wine’s complexity unfolds with each sip, revealing layers of fruit and earthy notes. Its balance and finesse showcase the artistry of its winemaking, leaving a lasting impression of this extraordinairy blend of 80% Barbera, 15% Nebbiolo, 4% Grignolino, 1% Ruche.
We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
2019 Garibaldi
100 % Grignolino
The Grignolino Garibaldi is a remarkable wine with vibrant aromas of blackberries, black plums, black cherries, and a hint of Sichuan pepper. Its tannins are both firm and velvety, offering a smooth yet structured mouthfeel. The wine’s aromatic complexity is deep and layered, with a balance of dark fruit and spice that highlights its distinctive character. This Grignolino reveals an expressive and unforgettable personality.
We award this wine with a 92-point DWA score.
2019 Faset
100% Barbaresco
This expressive Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo of the Faset Cru, showcases aromas of violets, ripe cherries, cloves, and a hint of vanilla. Structured with silky tannins and a rich, persistent finish. The influence of the river enhances its aromatic complexity, giving the wine remarkable finesse.
We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.
2019 Serragrilli
100% Barbaresco
Serragrilli is a vibrant Barbaresco made from 100% Nebbiolo. It opens with classic aromas of cherry and plum, along with subtle notes of rose, rhubarb, and a hint of spice. The wine is structured with deep, silky tannins, offering a refined balance between fruit and earthy complexity. Its elegant profile is further enhanced by delicate hints of vanilla and cedar, creating a wine that’s both expressive and harmonious.
We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.
2020 Ofelia
100% Moscato
Ofelia is a unique sweet wine made with a 50/50 blend of botrytized Moscato grapes and Moscato grapes pressed at -16°C in an ice wine style. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with ripe fruit flavors that are sweet but not overpowering. This finish offers a delightful surprise of refreshing sweetness, perfectly balanced by the wine’s acidity and structure.
We award this wine with a 91-point DWA score.
Piemonte, Italian Wine Legacy
The Piemonte region is renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines, with Barbaresco and Barolo standing out as two of its most famous and highly regarded wines. The rolling hills of Langhe, where Mura Mura Winery is situated, are known for their perfect climate and soil conditions for grape growing. This region has a long history of winemaking, and its wines are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and elegance.
Mura Mura Winery’s location in Piemonte is ideal for producing wines that reflect both the tradition and innovation of the region. The winery’s attention to detail, commitment to organic farming, and dedication to quality make it a standout in this prestigious wine-producing area. By combining the best of both worlds—respect for tradition and a vision for the future—Mura Mura represents the very essence of Piemonte’s winemaking legacy.
Conclusion: Mura Mura is shaping a New Path in Piemonte’s Wine Legacy
A visit to Mura Mura Winery is more than just an opportunity to taste exceptional wines; it’s a chance to experience a place where passion, history, and innovation come together in perfect harmony. The beauty of the estate, the warmth and generosity of Guido Martinetti, and the dedication to producing wines that are both a reflection of Piemonte’s heritage and a glimpse into the future of winemaking make Mura Mura a truly special destination. Whether you’re exploring the estate, enjoying a meal at Radici, or sipping on a glass of Nebbiolo, every moment at Mura Mura is a celebration of quality, nature, and craftsmanship.
This article is written by our own Nadine Massen. We would like to thank Guido Martinetti and of Mura Mura for their time and the warm welcome. Also a big thank you to Vinites, who arranged the interview and are the proud importers of Mura Mura wines in the Netherlands.
