Alto Piemonte Wine Travel Guide (Piedmont, Italy)

Discover Alto Piemonte: A Hidden Gem of Italian Wine

Alto Piemonte, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, is a wine lover’s paradise often overshadowed by its famous southern neighbor, Barolo. This region offers exceptional Nebbiolo-based wines and breathtaking landscapes.

Towns and Villages

The charming towns of Alto Piemonte each offer unique experiences:

  • Gattinara: Known for its robust red wines and medieval architecture
  • Ghemme: Home to picturesque vineyards and historic wine cellars
  • Boca: A small village producing elegant, mineral-driven wines
  • Lessona: Famous for its delicate, perfumed Nebbiolos

Wine Producers

Visit these renowned wineries for tastings and tours:

  • Antoniolo in Gattinara: Pioneers of quality winemaking in the region
  • Cantalupo in Ghemme: Family-run estate with a rich history
  • Le Piane in Boca: Reviving ancient vineyards with organic practices
  • Proprietà Sperino in Lessona: Producing elegant, terroir-driven wines

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-focused accommodations:

  • Tenuta Castello in Gattinara: A luxurious wine resort with panoramic views
  • Agriturismo La Capuccina in Cureggio: A working winery with cozy rooms
  • Hotel Savoia in Romagnano Sesia: Centrally located for wine touring

Dining

Savor local cuisine paired with Alto Piemonte wines at these restaurants:

  • Ristorante Il Patio in Gattinara: Fine dining with an extensive wine list
  • Osteria Tre Scalini in Ghemme: Traditional Piedmontese dishes in a rustic setting
  • Trattoria Centrale in Boca: Simple, authentic fare loved by locals

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these specialty wine shops and bars to taste local wines:

  • Enoteca Regionale di Gattinara: Showcases wines from all Alto Piemonte appellations
  • Vineria Ciclone in Novara: Cozy wine bar with an extensive selection of regional wines
  • La Bottega del Vino in Ghemme: Family-run shop offering tastings and local products

Other Shops

Pick up local specialties and souvenirs:

  • Salumeria Dessilani in Fara Novarese: Artisanal cured meats and cheeses
  • Pasticceria Camporelli in Novara: Famous for traditional Novarese biscuits
  • Ceramiche Besio in Mondovì: Handcrafted ceramics and wine accessories

Attractions

Discover the region’s cultural and natural attractions:

  • Monte Rosa: Stunning Alpine scenery and hiking trails
  • Sacro Monte di Varallo: UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful chapels
  • Parco Naturale del Monte Fenera: Nature reserve with prehistoric caves
  • Ricetto di Candelo: Well-preserved medieval fortified village

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-focused events:

  • Festa dell’Uva (Grape Festival) in Gattinara: September celebration of the harvest
  • Nobili Wine Festival in Novara: Spring event showcasing Alto Piemonte wines
  • Ghemme Wine Week: Summer festival with tastings, tours, and food pairings

Appellations

Alto Piemonte’s main wine appellations include:

  • Gattinara DOCG: Known for powerful, long-lived Nebbiolo wines
  • Ghemme DOCG: Produces elegant, structured reds
  • Boca DOC: Small appellation with mineral-rich, aromatic wines
  • Lessona DOC: Renowned for delicate, perfumed Nebbiolos
  • Fara DOC: Blends of Nebbiolo, Vespolina, and Uva Rara

Grape Varieties

Alto Piemonte’s vineyards are home to several unique grape varieties. Nebbiolo, locally known as Spanna, is the star of the region.

Other important varieties include:

  • Vespolina
  • Uva Rara
  • Croatina
  • Erbaluce (white)

Main Wine Styles

Alto Piemonte produces elegant, age-worthy red wines. The region’s cool climate and volcanic soils contribute to wines with high acidity and distinct minerality.

Key wine styles include:

  • Gattinara DOCG: Full-bodied, tannic Nebbiolo-based wines
  • Ghemme DOCG: Structured reds with a blend of Nebbiolo and local varieties
  • Boca DOC: Complex, aromatic reds from Nebbiolo, Vespolina, and Uva Rara
  • Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG: Crisp, mineral-driven white wines

Food Specialties

Alto Piemonte’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:

  • Risotto al Baraggia: Made with local Baraggia rice
  • Tapulone: A traditional minced donkey meat dish
  • Toma Piemontese: A local cow’s milk cheese
  • Miacce: Thin, crispy crepes filled with savory ingredients

Drives & Walks

Explore Alto Piemonte’s scenic landscapes through these routes:

  • Strada del Vino Alto Piemonte: A wine route connecting major appellations
  • Monte Rosa Trails: Hiking paths with vineyard and Alpine views
  • Lago d’Orta Drive: A picturesque route around the stunning Lake Orta

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

  • Day 1: Visit Gattinara wineries, explore the town
  • Day 2: Tour Ghemme vineyards, taste local cheeses
  • Day 3: Discover Boca wines, hike in Monte Fenera Park

5-Day Alto Piemonte Experience

  • Day 1-2: Wine tasting in Gattinara and Ghemme
  • Day 3: Explore Lake Orta and its charming villages
  • Day 4: Visit Boca wineries and hike Monte Fenera
  • Day 5: Discover Erbaluce wines in Caluso

Getting There & Around

Alto Piemonte is accessible by car, train, and bus. The nearest airports are:

  • Milan Malpensa (MXP): 1-2 hours drive
  • Turin Caselle (TRN): 1-2 hours drive

Renting a car is recommended for exploring wineries and rural areas. Major car rental companies are available at airports.

Train services connect main towns like Novara and Vercelli to Milan and Turin. Local buses link smaller villages.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are ideal for wine tourism in Alto Piemonte.

  • Spring: Mild weather, blooming vineyards
  • Autumn: Harvest season, wine festivals

Summer can be hot, while winters are cold with potential snowfall in higher areas.

Sustainability Efforts

Alto Piemonte is embracing sustainable winemaking practices:

  • Organic and biodynamic viticulture
  • Water conservation techniques
  • Use of renewable energy in wineries

Eco-friendly wineries to visit include Le Piane in Boca and Antoniotti in Gattinara.

Language Tips

Italian is the primary language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Useful wine-related phrases:

  • “Posso assaggiare questo vino?” (Can I taste this wine?)
  • “Quale è il vitigno principale?” (What’s the main grape variety?)
  • “Vorrei visitare la cantina” (I’d like to visit the cellar)

Further Resources

For more information on Alto Piemonte wines and travel:

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