Azienda vitivinicola piemontese D.O.C.G.
|
50 ettari di vigneti. |
|
Export 90% del prodotto. |
The histrory of
Gattinara
|
Due to ideal growing condicions in the Gattinara hills, vineyards have
been the cornestone of the local economy for many centuries. Today, Gattinara
wines are recognized and critically acclaimed the world over. |
|
|
Damage to the vineyards was punishable by law, as was
commercialization of the vineyards during unauthorized periods. The most important
archeological building in this area is the ancient stone tower which dates as
far back as the year 1,000. In those days and throughout the centuries its
main purpose was controlling the vineyards. |
|
|
|
Today, it is almost intact and dominates the town. Gattinara's
greatest ambassador was Cardinal Mercurino Arborio, a native of the area who,
when he became chasncellor to Hapsburg King Charles V, introduced Gattinara
wines to the table of many European Courts, thus ensuring its international
renown. |
|
|
In 1967, Gattinara was awarded the D.O.C., which requires that the
standards of quality must meet those set by the Italian governement. The wine
must contain at least 90% Nebbiolo grapes and must be aged in oak for a
minimum of two years. D.O.C. designation requires a maximum of 63 hectoliters
per hectare; D.O.C.G. requires a maximum of 50 hectoliters per hectare yield.
In 1991 the D.O.C.G. was awarted to Gattinara recognizing it as the region
with the lowest yeld in Italy. |
|
The climate
|
|
Gattinara is situated in an
area whose wines are described as "fruity", much appreciated for their
delicacy. The Alps to the north protect th vineyards from the cold north
winds. Compared to nearby plains, Gattinara enjoys mild-to-cool climate
typical of the Piedmont region. Fog is rare, but Gattinara receives an even
distribution of rain in both the springs and autumn. Sunshine is well over
the minimum necessary for developing full flavored fruit. |
Compositon and characteristics of the soil
The Gattinara hills are the result of glacial
deposits. Thry go back nearly 150 million years, when the melting of Alpine
glaciers caused a slide, creating hills which measure from 280 to 420 meters
high. The composition of these hills consist primarily of granite, parphyrie,
quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, as well as many from ores, giving the soil its
characteristic reddish color. Analysis has shown only traces of calcium and
magnesium carbonate. With the absence of calcium, and acid reactions occurs,
adding an unusual characteristic to the vineyard soil. It is this same
characteristic that makes Gattinara's wine a unique wine, rich in hidden
harmonies released with extraordinary discretion and balance.
for information / Per info
dove assaggiare gratis il vino:
kairo2000@libero.it
|