Gattinara DOCG

The Gattinara DOCG is one of the the historic appellations of the Piedmont, in upper Piedmont, in the province of Vercelli, on the slopes of the Pennine Alps.
Here the Nebbiolo, locally called Spanna, gives rise to wines of great finesse, complexity and longevity, with characteristics very different from those of Barolo or Barbaresco.

Gattinara is the soul the Alpine, mineral side of Nebbiolo, expressing the grape variety in a more taut, vertical and austere, thanks to the volcanic soils and the cool climate.

Production area

• Region: Piedmont

• Province: Vercelli

• Municipality: Gattinara (unique)

• Altitude: 250–450 m above sea level

• Soils: porphyry, granite, iron-rich red volcanic soils

• Climate: Alpine-continental, with wide temperature swings

• Vineyards often terraced on steep hills → manual, heroic work

Grape variety

• Nebbiolo (min. 90%)

• Permitted in the blend up to 10%:

  • Bonarda di Gattinara

  • Vespolina

However, many producers choose Nebbiolo as a single variety to express the identity of the area to the full.

Compulsory ageing

The wood is usually large cask traditional, to encourage a slow development that respects the grape variety.

Sensory profile of the wine

Colour:

• Garnet red with orange highlights after only a few years

Aromas:

• Dried rose, violet

• Cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry

• White pepper, undergrowth, alpine herbs

• With ageing: tobacco, leather, liquorice, damp earth

Palate:

• Elegant, vertical, dry

• Tannins fine but tight, acidity lively

• Obvious minerality thanks to the volcanic soils

• Finish long, balsamic and harmonious

• Outstanding longevity: it can evolve for 20–30 years

Food pairings

• Braised meats, beef stew

• Ribs and roasts

• Tajarin with truffle, porcini risotto

• Castelmagno, aged toma, washed-rind cheeses

• Chicken with herbs, stuffed guinea fowl

Why choose a Gattinara DOCG

For those who love the More elegant and refined Nebbiolo wines
To discover a a unique Alpine terroir
For a a great alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco, often at a more affordable price
For collectors looking for great longevity
For those looking for food-friendly, complex wines