There is more in Piedmont to explore

Chances are you are familiar with Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont in northern Italy but you may not have heard of Gattinara a province situated in the foothills of the Alps northwest of the city of Novara, collectively known Alto Piedmont.

In addition to different soils, the climatic variations allow all the wines to express themselves and their environment differently, Nebbiolo from Barolo tends to be more powerful and assertive in its expression the Nebbiolo or ‘Spanna’ as it is known in Gattinara tends to be more delicate with floral and earthy aromas.

The Nebbiolo ‘Spanna’ must be 90% and can have up to 10% Uva Rara ‘Bonarda di Gattinara’ and no more than 10% of Vespolina. These additional grapes are permitted to add freshness and floral aromatics due to proximity of the vines to the Alps, however with improved viticultural techniques, warmer vintages and the prestige of Nebbiolo wines the addition of these grapes is becoming less frequent.

Gattinara previously had 40,000 hectares planted today it is closer to 1000 hectares, phylloxera and regional hardships have reduced the vineyard holdings but a small group of passionate winemakers and growers continue to produce beautiful Gattinara wines.

Granted DOC status in 1967 and DOCG status in 1990 Gattinara is evolving and taking its rightful place alongside Barolo and Barbaresco.