The Alto Piemonte region and its Nebbiolo wines

Alto Piemonte is a wine-growing region at the foot of the Alps, where diverse soils, climatic conditions and a long winemaking tradition contribute to a range of wines with distinct identities. Nebbiolo is one of the defining grape varieties of this area, connecting territories that share a rich viticultural heritage while differing in their geological and environmental characteristics.

Across the provinces of Novara, Vercelli, Biella and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, vineyards extend across a varied landscape at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif and along the hills that characterise this part of Piedmont.

The area’s topography, differences in elevation and local growing conditions create distinct viticultural environments. The proximity of the Alps and the variety of the landscape help shape the conditions in which the vines grow, while the weather patterns of each vintage influence vine development and grape ripening.

One of the most distinctive features of Alto Piemonte is its geological diversity. The origin and evolution of its soils have resulted in a wide range of compositions, with differences that can be noticeable even over relatively short distances.

Alongside soils of fluvio-glacial origin, the region includes soils formed from different geological formations, with varying proportions of sand, clay, gravel and rock fragments. This diversity contributes to the distinct character of individual wine-growing areas and is an important part of understanding the region.

This variety is also reflected in the region’s wine appellations. Alto Piemonte includes ten DOC and DOCG appellations, among them Ghemme DOCG, Gattinara DOCG, Colline Novaresi DOC, Boca DOC and Lessona DOC. Each reflects a particular combination of territory, tradition and production regulations.

Nebbiolo is one of the signature grape varieties of Alto Piemonte. Traditionally known in this area as Spanna, it has deep roots in the local winemaking tradition.

Although it connects different parts of the region, Nebbiolo does not erase their individual characteristics. Soil composition, climate, vineyard exposure and the conditions of each vintage all contribute to different ripening conditions and influence the character of the grapes.

This diversity is what makes Nebbiolo from Alto Piemonte particularly interesting: the same grape variety reveals differences between growing areas and expresses the relationship between a wine and the place where it originates.

The vineyards of Vigneti Costacurta are located in the Ghemme and Sizzano area, where the wine-growing landscape is characterised by soils of fluvio-glacial origin, shaped by the geological processes that have influenced the region at the foot of the Alps.

These soils contain pebbles, sand, clay and rock fragments in varying proportions. Their diversity helps define the growing conditions of individual vineyard plots and calls for careful vineyard management.

In our vineyards, the significant presence of clay helps the soil retain water, supporting water availability for the vines during drier periods. We farm without irrigation and adapt our vineyard management practices to the characteristics of each plot.

Understanding these soils is an integral part of our work. By understanding the ground in which our vines grow and the conditions that shape their development, we can guide vine growth and respond to the characteristics of each vintage while respecting the territory.

Vigneti Costacurta interprets Alto Piemonte through three wines made exclusively from Nebbiolo: Tintaunita, Mezzatinta and Ghemme DOCG.

They offer three distinct expressions of the grape, from the freshness and immediacy of wines made in stainless steel to the structure and complexity of Ghemme DOCG, aged in untoasted oak barrels.

Our work is rooted in our relationship with the territory and in our commitment to expressing the character of the grapes through thoughtful vineyard management and winemaking choices, with attention to the identity of each wine.