The name Nebbiolo comes from one of two schools of thought: some believe as the harvest of Nebbiolo usually occurs in October, when foggy weather is common, it takes the name from nebbia meaning fog; however others believe the name is derived from the presence of pruina, a substance which gives the appearance of a foggy haze on the berry skin. The Nebbiolo vines are grown in the northern Italian region of Piedmont, where the climate is continental and is tempered by the Tanaro River and its tributaries. Grown in marl clay and sand soils, the late ripening variety is usually harvested in early October.

Established in 1871, San Silvestro has produced DOC and DOCG wines from its estate winery in the Commune of Novello, in Piedmont. The traditional varieties are mostly grown in the Langhe and from vineyards found in the Roero and the Monferrato regions. Founded by Giovanni Sartirano, San Silvestro and has been passed down through four generations and today, it is run by cousins Paolo and Guido Sartirano. Following the family traditions and ethos, they hold the Equalitas certification for their sustainably cultivated vineyards and produce modern wines which express the traditional varieties of the Piedmont region and its distinctive terroir. Over the years San Silvestro has gradually expanded beyond the local market and their award-winning wines are internationally recognised.