Gattinara: the king of Alto Piemonte wines?

Gattinara DOCG is an appellation for red wine in the northwestern region of Piedmont. Like Ghemme, the wine must contain at least 90 percent Spanna - the local name for Nebbiolo. It can contain up to 10 percent of the Uva Rara grape variety (also known - confusingly - as Bonarda di Gattinara), and/or 4 percent of the Vespolina.

When we write the title "Gattinara, the king of Alto Piemonte Wines" we do refer to the Gattinara Riserva where 48 months of wood ripening takes place, the King of Alto PIemonte which we place opposite the other King, Barolo. 

Gattinara: the past, present and future.

The area was granted DOCG status in 1990. In 2015 there were 86 hectares of vineyards north of Vercelli on steep, south-facing slopes at an altitude of 270-400 metres (900-1300 ft). They are centred around the municipality of Gattinara and extend westwards towards the Alps. This wine-growing area has a continental climate and the vines grow on fertile gravel soils of volcanic origin, with traces of carbonate, calcium and magnesium. These unique soils, combined with the ideal microclimate, produce excellent Nebbiolo grapes.

48 months of ripening in wood and the ultimate stimulation of your tasting buds.

Unlike Ghemme, which has an alcohol content of 12 percent, Gattinara must reach 12.5 (or 13 for riserva). Maturation requirements are 36 months with 12 in oak barrels, or for the riserva 48 months with 24 months maturation in wood. Steel tanks or other large containers can be used to make up part of the total. However, it is more likely that the wines mature two years in bottle before being released.

The wines themselves usually range from orange to garnet in color, and have a rustic character and an aromatic bouquet reminiscent of violets. The reputation of the wine for an exceptionally long life is due to its very prominent tannins and high acidity. Levels of these are even greater than those of the more famous cousins, Barolo and Barbaresco.

Like its neighbour Ghemme, the area also has an ancient origins. The name would have been derived from Catuli Ara (the altar of Catullus). The site of the town of Gattinara is said to be the place where the Proconsul Lutatius Catullus dedicated the booty of his victory over the Cimbric Gauls in 101 BC. There is also evidence of archaeological finds dating back to Roman times.

Although Travaglini is the largest number of hectares and awards we did choose Cantina del Signore when choosing a new Gattinara producer.