The Small Victories team has a soft spot for Piedmont. In fact, you’ll probably find a bottle of Nebbiolo on the table during any team gathering. Outside of the well-known Barolo and Barbaresco, there are many incredible sub-regions of the Piedmont area that fascinate us. We were really excited when we met Lisette Lyhus and learned that the wines from her estate feature two of the newest Piedmontese DOCGs: Nizza and Alta Langa. We were initially a little skeptical of an estate with a long history that had recently changed hands, but after just a few sips, we realized that it is important to recognize and support when change is done the right way.
Established in 1956, Avezza is an estate located in Calamandrana, a municipality in Asti, Piedmont. Founded by Natale "Talein" Avezza, the family’s story began with just two hectares of vineyards surrounding the original farmhouse. In 1987, Natale's son, Aldo, and grandson, Paolo, expanded the estate to seven hectares. In 2001, Paolo decided to begin making wine instead of selling the grapes to other wineries in the area. Paolo ran Avezza like his personal laboratory, experimenting with a wide range of methods on tiny batches he reserved for family and friends. While many producers in Asti were focusing on producing Moscato d’Asti and bulk Barbera, Paolo was experimenting with traditional method sparkling wine and barrel aged Barbera.
Today, LHV Avezza cultivates a blend of traditional Piedmontese grape varieties, including Barbera, Moscato, and Nebbiolo, alongside non-traditional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for their Alta Langa sparkling wine production. Their vineyards thrive in the region’s unique microclimate, marked by warm days and cool nights, which enhances the aromatic complexity and structure of their wines. Avezza’s portfolio includes a vibrant Barbera d'Asti, a refreshing Lyus Pet Nat, an elegant Nizza Riserva, and several sparkling Alta Langa bottlings. Each wine beautifully reflects the family's dedication to their craft and the exceptional terroir of Piedmont.
In 2019, the Lyhus family took the reins at Avezza, entering into a thoughtful transition with Paolo and the Avezza family to preserve the winery’s philosophy and hands-on approach. The continued excellence of the wines is a testament to the success of this partnership. Paolo remains a quiet presence on the estate—occasionally spotted walking the vineyards or checking in on the cellar—ensuring that the spirit of Avezza lives on in every bottle.
