The volcanic terroir of Gattinara: when the earth speaks in wine

Gattinara sits on a geologically unique territory in the Italian wine landscape. The hills where our vineyards grow are the result of ancient volcanic activity dating back approximately 280 million years, in the Permian period. This origin has left a legacy of soils rich in porphyry, granite and minerals that represent the foundation of our wines' identity.

The soil composition in Gattinara is extremely varied even within a few meters. Layers of red porphyry, ferrous clays, granitic sands and moraine deposits alternate, creating a pedological mosaic that explains the complexity and diversity of expressions that Nebbiolo can achieve in this area.

This mineral richness shows up in the glass. Gattinara wines carry a vibrant, almost saline minerality alongside the typical aromas of Nebbiolo. The ferrous, stony notes — graphite, flint — are the signature of the volcanic terroir and set our wines apart from any other Nebbiolo produced in Piedmont.

The altitude of our vineyards, between 300 and 420 meters above sea level, contributes to defining the character of the wines. Temperature variations between day and night are significant, especially during the ripening period, and promote the development of a complex aromatic profile while maintaining a lively and refreshing natural acidity.

Monte Rosa, which dominates the horizon to the north, acts as a natural barrier against the most intense cold currents, while the proximity of lakes Maggiore and Orta exerts a mitigating influence on the microclimate. This climatic balance, combined with the unique geology of the territory, creates ideal conditions for producing wines of great longevity and complexity.