Our Journey
Our ambitions are simple, namely to make fine wines naturally
“How did we become custodians of vineyards in Piemonte”
“We aim to produce wine of which we can be proud, as natural and unadulterated as possible”
In England, jokes that are based around “the Englishman, the Scotsman, and the Irishman” are legendary. Most countries have an equivalent.
So in the same vein, let us then consider the adventure of the “Englishman, the Belgian, and the Italian”!
The relationship between the three of us resulted from parallel careers in heavy industry, its finance and its commercialisation. We quickly discovered a shared love of food and wine, and an appreciation of its importance in creating life long friendships around the dining table.
Our business lives have given us extraordinary opportunities to travel globally and experience the many cultures of the world. These travels have given us exposure to diverse wines resulting from terroir, climate and the skills of wine makers.
As David travelled during the later years of his career he realised he wanted the next adventure to be outside of corporate life. Though still pursuing active careers Vincent and Luca were ready to support these shared ambitions.
To develop their joint passion for wine, there are few locations to compare with Piemonte in Italy.
The Enthusiasts
The Englishman - David
David has lived in the east of France, South Africa and Spain interspersed with travel in Argentina, Chile, USA, New Zealand and Australia tasting the heavyweights of the wine producing world. The exposure to the history of production in countries such as Romania and Turkey as well as the challenges of wine making in Thailand, Egypt and Morocco have all contributed to a life long fascination in the subject.
Vincent , living between Belgium and Spain, has also travelled the world and spent much time in Spanish speaking countries such as Mexico. He developed a palate that appreciates the blend of traditional methods with the work of dedicated artisans particularly evident in the regions of Bordeaux and Spain. Those traditions, and the resulting quality wines he has drunk now drive his ambition for Tenuta Il Finale to mirror their standards and use their experience in the production of our wines.
The Belgian - Vincent
The Italian - Luca
Whilst having engaged in important roles in the Italian industrial sector, Luca has a passion for gastronomy, and in particular Italian gastronomy. He has committed himself to supporting food societies who are dedicated to maintaining the standards of Italian cuisine. He actively promotes local traditions and kitchens that create their cuisine around Km 0 ingredients. A family history deeply rooted in the region, Luca remains an admirer of the Langhe area and the richness of its culture.
The Englishman - David Mogford
David has lived in the east of France, South Africa and Spain interspersed with travel in Argentina, Chile, USA, New Zealand and Australia tasting the heavyweights of the wine producing world. The exposure to the history of production in countries such as Romania and Turkey as well as the challenges of wine making in Thailand, Egypt and Morocco have all contributed to a life long fascination in the subject.
“The story of Piemonte wine is a testament to passion and patience”
‘Wine is a pleasure - everything else just words’ is his philosophy.
Following an epiphany whilst working for some of the largest international companies in the world Cesare had a desire to reconnect to mother nature, the land and its produce. He purchased a farmhouse and 2 hectares of vineyards enveloping himself in his real life passion. From cultivating the vineyards, embracing ancient techniques, pressing the grapes and nurturing his cellar, Cesare has had a strong vision and determination to achieve what he wants in winemaking. A few years ago Cesare met David, Vincent and Luca bringing his undisputed knowledge and passion to their likeminded enthusiasm to make wonderful wines from a unique region.
Cesare - Winemaker
Luigi studied at the University of Milan for a Bachelor Degree in Oenology and Viticulture followed by a period working with Franciacorta Metodo Classico. Luigi then attended the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenza (Piemonte) achieving a Masters Degree. He then worked in the Langhe focusing on artisanal production of premium quality red wines. In 2018 he began working as a winemaker in Salento gaining experience with many grape varieties and producing different wines, some distributed through GDO and others internationally. After six years in Salento Luigi moved back to Piemonte, working again in the Langhe, and of course in Castagnole with David and Cesare.
Luigi - Oenologist
Our Professionals
For more information on our wines, tasting opportunities and events, please email info@tenutailfinale.com
Our Story
We consider these vineyards to be our “Finale” in every sense, starting from a passion for people, history, food and wine that has grown over decades. It is driven by our enthusiasm to share these experiences. We have searched for a project that binds these elements together.
The roots of our Italian partner were already in Piemonte. He introduced us to the region and his search for a farm took us to Strada Finale in Castagnole delle Lanze which realised our ambitions.
Strada Finale provided a name for our cellar. “ Tenuta Il Finale” is a reflection of our ultimate ambitions to be immersed in the history of this region and to promote Piemonte wines to a wider audience. This is the combined passion of three enthusiasts.
Our Tenuta Il Finale looks out over one of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable. Relatively unchanged for centuries, and now protected by UNESCO, this land has been continually watered by the meanderings of the River Po. From the vineyards we see the start of its journey at the peak of Monviso, high in the Alps.
Bordered by Italy, France and Switzerland our soil is rich in minerals which give the traditional grape varieties of Piemonte their unique profile. Traditional warmer, drier summers and cooler, wetter winters have created a climate ideal for growing our grapes and for producing wines with unique personality and quality. We hope to share these with you.
Our ambition is to produce fine wines that we would wish to drink ourselves and serve to our friends. This sets our benchmark.
The time and care invested in the quality of our soils and the selection of our handpicked grapes deliver to you outstanding wines from this region of Italy.
The quality of our harvest is the foundation of our product. Yields are kept purposefully small resulting in intensely flavourful fruit. The quality of our grapes and their husbandry is the first vital step in making the best of what nature has provided. Hand selection, gentle pressing and constant analysis during fermentation reflect our standards and help us achieve our targets.