Piemont

DOCG for dry red wine in the Piemonte wine-growing region in Italy, named after the town of the same name. The relatively small zone has a total vineyard area of only around 100 hectares, on gravelly soils of volcanic origin, located on south-facing slopes in the Gattinara area in the province of Vercelli on both sides of the Sesia river. The Romans were the first to plant vineyards in this area. Cardinal Mercurino Arborio – chancellor of emperor Charles V. (1500-1558) – who was born in Gattinara, brought the wine to the courts of Europe, which helped to establish its international reputation at an early stage. It was classified as DOC in 1967, and was awarded DOCG status in 1990. The red wine has an orange to garnet colour and a bouquet of violets, it is quite tannic and has a very long maturation potential. It is made from Nebbiolo (90-100%), as well as optionally from Bonarda di Gattinara and/or Vespolina (up to 10%). The minimum alcohol content stipulated is 12,5% vol, the wine must be matured fro three years, of which one year in oak barrels. If it has an alcohol content of 13% vol, and has been matured for a minimum of four years (of which two years in oak barrels), it may be called Riserva. Well-known producers include Antoniolo, Bianchi, Nervi and Travaglini. The best recent vintages are 1985, 1988, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. The DOCG red wine Ghemme from the neighbouring region is similar.