Norsk Vin #117
An Italian Heart, a Norwegian Vineyard
Norsk Vin is a unique Norwegian winery founded by Danilo Costamagna, a native of Piedmont, Italy, a region renowned for its rich winemaking heritage. From an early age, Danilo was passionate about wine, yet he initially pursued a career in IT, moving to Trondheim to study engineering. It was there that he discovered Norway’s small but vibrant winemaking community and became captivated by the challenge of producing high-quality wines in a northern climate.
His turning point came in 2017, when his wine won the top prize at Norway’s first national wine competition. This achievement inspired him to establish his own winery. Today, Danilo is not only a winemaker but also an innovator, educator, and ambassador for Norwegian viticulture, combining a passion for experimentation with deep respect for tradition.
Winemaking Philosophy
Norsk Vin specializes in sparkling wines while also producing white, orange, and select red wines.
The winery’s core philosophy is to harmonize Norway’s unique climate with modern winemaking techniques, creating wines that are both distinctive and expressive of their northern terroir.
Vineyards and Production
Norsk Vin’s vineyards are strategically located across several regions, including Buskerud, along the Oslofjord, and in Rannsfjorden near Eina. This geographical diversity allows for experimentation with microclimates and optimal grape cultivation. Key grape varieties include Solaris for white wines and Rondo for reds, alongside Pinot Noir Precoce, Marquette, Regent, and a selection of fungus-resistant PIWI varieties. Currently, production totals around 1,000 bottles per year, focusing primarily on white and red wines, with plans to expand to 6,000–7,000 bottles from two hectares. The winery places a strong emphasis on sparkling wines, crafted predominantly using the traditional method, while also exploring orange and limited red wines. Adapting to Norway’s harsh climate is a constant challenge: vines withstand temperatures down to -26 °C, and the use of PIWI varieties reduces the need for chemical treatments. Danilo carefully monitors sugar levels in the grapes, ranging from 75° to 90° Oe depending on vineyard location and cultivation methods. Yields per hectare are modest due to climatic conditions, yet ongoing experimentation and attention to detail allow the winery to steadily increase production without compromising quality.
Where the North Earns Global Applause
Norsk Vin’s wines have earned international recognition, including a gold medal at the PIWI Wine Award and the distinction of “Wine of the Week” from Jancis Robinson. The winery also actively develops wine tourism, offering vineyard tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes access to production facilities. Looking ahead, Danilo continues to explore the potential of Norwegian wine exports, focusing on quality and distinctive style. Norsk Vin stands as a prime example of how passion, innovation, and dedication can create an exceptional winery even in the northernmost reaches of Europe.
