Alto Piemonte - Discover and taste the Nebbiolo from the hills around Novara
Posted on: 15-10-2018 om 07:11:27
| Karina Imschoot
When we speak of Nebbiolo, everyone immediately thinks of Barolo and Barbaresco and we almost forget those wines from Alto Piemonte, a strip of land stretching from the Ossola valleys to the Serra of Ivrea. Wines that really deserve much more recognition, given that they are also part of the Nebbiolo family.
In Northern Piedmont, in the provinces of Novara and Vercelli, Nebbiolo takes its name "Spanna" from the local dialect of Novara, which may originate from "Spinus", meaning as much as a "wild thorn bush" in Latin.
Alto Piemonte is a natural oenological habitat for wine, mainly due to the implosion of a super volcano around Valsesia millions of years ago, giving the earth a rare geological composition. In fact, it is composed mainly of roses porfuria, but with a layer of gravel on the surface. However, there are several soil types to be found less than ten meters apart. It is indeed a very unusual country, which has the effect of unmistakable characteristics in the wines, from a strong acidity to a clear full-bodied taste, distinctive elements that ensure that these wines retain their unique flavors for many years .
There are a total of ten denominations belonging to the Alto Piedmont. From the north we have the Valli Ossolane Doc in the province of Verbania. Then we travel further south, in the province of Novara, we find Ghemme, Sizzano, Fara, Boca and Colline Novaresi, while in the province of Vercelli west of the river Sesia, there Gattinara, Bramaterra, Lessona and the wider Coste della Sesia.
Each of these denominations is unique in its own way, in terms of taste and history.
In this blog we will explain a few nominations:
Ghemme
The origin of the historical Piedmont wine dates back to the IV-V millennium BC, the Ghemme is produced on the elevated hills of fluvio glacial origin, lateral to the river Sesia.
Ghemme is D.O.C.G. recognized since 1997.
Characteristics of the Ghemme
Production area: municipalities of Ghemme and Romagnano Sesia, in the province of Novara.
Grapes: Nebbiolo (locally called Spanna) minimum 85%; Vespolina and Rare Grape are allowed, alone or together, for max. 15%.
Colour: ruby, also with garnet red highlights.
Bouquet: intense and persistent, characteristic, fine, pleasant and ethereal.
Taste: dry and juicy, with a pleasantly bitter base.
Maturation: minimum 34 months, of which 18 in wood according to specification. The "Reserve" type requires a longer ageing period: 46 months, of which 24 in wood. After bottling 6 months in the bottle.
Serving temperature: 18 ° - 20 °.
Food pairing : starters (risotto, pasta with meat sauce); the salumì, the meat (roasted and braised meat), game. Also old cheeses.
COLLINE NOVARESI
From the Nebbiolo to Vespolina, from the Croatina to Bianco.
This production area is part of the hills between the Sesia and Ticino rivers, where viticulture has been present since pre-Roman times.
Characteristics of the Colline Novaresi:
Production area: Municipalities of Agrate Conturbia, Bareilly, Boca, Bogogno, Borgomanero, Briona, Cavaglietto, Fontaneto d'Agogna, Cavallirio, Cressa, Fara Novarese, Fondaneto d'Agogna, Gattico, Ghemme, Grignasco, Maggiora, Marano Ticino, Mezzomerico, Oleggio, Prato Sesia, Romagnano Sesia, Sizzano, Suno, Vaprio d'Agogna, Veruno, in the provinces of Novara.
Types: "Colline Novaresi" and white: Erbaluce in purity.
Vespolina, Nebbiolo Bonarda Novarese, Croatina, are the most important the respective vines present for min. 85%; up to 15% of non-aromatic vine varieties can be added
Colour: from straw to dark or red ruby with light garnet highlights
Aroma: fragrant and delicate white, delicate and fruity the new; from intense and characteristic to wine, the other varieties are fresh and fruity.
Taste: slightly bitter, intense, typical, dry, harmonious, dry, sweet, sometimes lively, for other species.
Serving temperature: white 8 ° - 10 °, red 16 ° - 18 °.
Food pairing: excellent with appetizers, cold cuts, vegetable soups, red meat.
COSTA DELLA SESIA
D.O.C. was recognized in 1996 and is produced on the hills located in the province of Biella and Vercelli up to the river Sesia, between natural landscapes of inestimable value.
Characteristics
Production area: municipalities of Gattinara, Lozzolo, Roasio and Serravalle Sesia in the province of Vercelli; municipalities of Brusnengo, Candelo, Cerreto Castello, Cossato, Lessona, Masserano, Mottalciata, Quaregna, Sostegno, Valdengo, Vigliano Biellesee and Villa del Bosco.
Vines - Types: "Coste della Sesia" white: 100% Erbaluce.
"Coste della Sesia" red and "Coste della Sesia" rosé, without specifying the vine to be regulated; minimum 50% of Nebbiolo and Barbera (or Vespolina or Croatina or Bonarda) and other red berries.
Serving temperature: white 8° - 10°; roses 11° - 13°; red 16° - 18°.
Food pairing: red is suitable for mixed grills and meats.
The following blog is also about Alto Piemonte and is part 2