The Canavese Area.

In ancient times the Canavese area, located at the foothills of Western Italian Alps, was populated by several tribes of Celtic heritage that were conquered by the Romans. This region, that includes sectors of Piemonte and Aosta Valley, is characterised by hills with gentle slopes, moraines and small valleys crosscut by beautiful rivers, ponds and lakes. Such a unique environment is also affected by peculiar microclimates that promoted the cultivation of several types of vines since Romans arrival.

Vineyards in this area are true masterpieces of “agricultural art”, particularly those nearby the village of Carema, situated within the lower part of the Aosta Valley. Here, vines are grown on hand made terraces surrounded by stone walls that confine vineyards with pergola-type of roofs. This structural arrangement modulates the release of heat, captured during daylight, throughout the night and dawn. As a result, this rather unique environment leads to the production of Carema Nebbiolo. The harvest of this noble red wine occurs late in the fall season when the vines are surrounded by a persisting light “haze” during the early morning and evening.

The other outstanding wine made in Canavese is the so called “Erbaluce di Caluso”. From this white grape, whose name is thought to derive from nymph “Elbaluce”, three distinct types of wines are produced: “Erbaluce di Caluso”, “Erbaluce Spumante” and “Erbaluce Passito”, the latter also known as “Passito di Caluso”. In particular, the latter wine is made by selected grapes that are exsiccated indoor before being squeezed in early spring, leading to a delightful and superior golden wine.

The cited wines are entitled the so called “Denominazione d’Origine Controllata” since 1967. This is a definite quality warranty for the best Italian wines that also reflect their unique regional and environmental origin. The full spectrum of flavors and aromas typical of Canavese may also be experienced by having a taste of the local delicious pastry (“torcetti, nocciolini, biscotti della duchessa, canestrelli, paste di meliga”….and so on) that perfectly integrates, together with people’s hospitality, the uniqueness of “Canavesan” wines.