Gattinara

DOCG area for red wine in the Italian region of Piedmont, named after the town of the same name. It covers 90 hectares of vineyards on gravel soils of volcanic origin on southern slopes in the municipality of Gattinara in the province of Vercelli on both sides of the Sesia river. If the grapes come from classified vineyards, Vigna can be indicated followed by the name of the vineyard. The Romans already planted the first vineyards here at the turn of the century. Cardinal Mercurino Arborio, born in Gattinara, the chancellor of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558), brought the wine to the courts of Europe, a fact that already then established its international fame. It was already classified as DOC in 1967 and received DOCG status in 1990. The tannin-rich red wine with violet aroma is extremely long-lasting. It is made from the varieties Nebbiolo (zum. 90%), as well as Vespolina (max. 4%) and/or Bonarda di Gattinara = Uva Rara (together max. 10%). The minimum alcohol content is 12.5% vol., it must mature for 35 months, 24 months of which in wooden barrels. With an alcohol content of 13% vol. and at least 47 months of ageing, 36 months of which in wooden barrels, it may call itself Riserva. Well-known producers include Antoniolo, Bianchi, Nervi and Travaglini. The neighbouring DOCG red wine Ghemme is very similar.