WINE

DOCG Wine Guide: Piedmont’s Alpine Nebbiolo MasterpieceGattinara DOCG

July 6, 2020 - By Editorial Team

Table of Contents

What is Gattinara DOCG Wine?

Gattinara DOCG is a prestigious Italian red wine from Piedmont’s Alto Piemonte region, crafted primarily from Nebbiolo grapes grown on volcanic soils at the foot of Monte Rosa. This DOCG represents one of Italy’s most elegant expressions of Nebbiolo, offering alpine freshness, distinct minerality, and exceptional aging potential in a style that’s both powerful and refined.

Distinguished from the more famous Barolo and Barbaresco, Gattinara showcases how volcanic terroir and cooler alpine climate create a unique interpretation of Italy’s noble

Gattinara vs Other Piedmont Nebbiolo Wines

Wine	Region	Terroir	Style	Aging Requirement	Price Range
Gattinara DOCG	Alto Piemonte	Volcanic, alpine	Elegant, mineral	35-47 months	$30-80
Barolo DOCG	Langhe	Calcareous clay	Powerful, tannic	38 months	$40-200+
Barbaresco DOCG	Langhe	Calcareous marl	Elegant, perfumed	26 months	$35-150
Ghemme DOCG	Alto Piemonte	Volcanic, alpine	Similar to Gattinara	34 months	$25-60

History of Gattinara Wine

From Roman Times to Modern DOCG

Gattinara’s winemaking heritage spans over 2,000 years, with documented wine production predating Roman occupation. The region’s modern wine reputation began in 1378 when Gattinara wines were already being exported across Europe.

Key historical milestones:

1525: Cardinal Mercurino di Gattinara promotes the wine across European courts
1872: Regia Stazione Enologica (wine school) established, pioneering modern winemaking
Early 1900s: Gattinara vintages considered equal to Barolo for aging potential
1967: DOC status recognition
1990: Elevated to prestigious DOCG classification

This rich history establishes Gattinara as one of Italy’s most historically significant wine regions, predating many more famous appellations.

Gattinara Wine Region Geography and Terroir

Alpine Volcanic Terroir

Location: Commune of Gattinara, Alto Piemonte, Piedmont Vineyard area: 86-98 hectares (extremely limited production) Elevation: 250-550 meters above sea level Climate: Continental alpine with cooling Monte Rosa influences

Unique Volcanic Soil Composition

Soil characteristics:

Glacial deposits: Ancient moraine from Alpine glaciation
Volcanic bedrock: Iron and potassium-rich volcanic subsoil
Excellent drainage: Prevents waterlogging, concentrates flavors
Mineral complexity: Creates distinctive terroir expression

This unique combination of glacial topsoil over volcanic bedrock creates terroir found nowhere else in Italy, contributing to Gattinara’s distinctive mineral complexity and elegant structure.

Gattinara DOCG Grape Varieties and Blending

Nebbiolo-Dominant Blends

Primary grape requirements:

Nebbiolo (Spanna): 90-100% (locally called Spanna)
Uva Rara: Up to 10% (adds color and softness)
Vespolina: Maximum 4% (contributes spice and aromatics)

Modern winemaking trends:

Most producers favor 100% Nebbiolo expressions
Blending primarily used for balance and complexity
Traditional local clones adapted to volcanic soils

Understanding Spanna (Local Nebbiolo)

Spanna characteristics:

Alpine-adapted Nebbiolo clone
Earlier ripening than Langhe Nebbiolo
More restrained tannins, higher acidity
Distinctive mineral-driven profile

Gattinara DOCG Classifications and Aging

Two Quality Levels

Gattinara DOCG (Base Level)

Minimum aging: 35 months total (24 months in oak)
Alcohol requirement: 12.5% minimum
Release date: October 1st, three years after harvest
Character: Elegant, food-friendly, medium-bodied

Gattinara DOCG Riserva

Minimum aging: 47 months total (36 months in oak)
Alcohol requirement: 13% minimum
Release date: Four years after harvest
Character: Complex, age-worthy, full-bodied

Understanding Gattinara Aging Process

Oak aging benefits:

Softens Nebbiolo’s natural tannins
Adds vanilla and spice complexity
Allows slow oxidation for color stability
Creates wine suitable for extended cellaring

Gattinara Wine Tasting Notes

Classic Flavor Profile

Appearance: Garnet red with orange highlights (especially with age)

Aroma:

Violet and rose petal florals
Red cherry and raspberry fruit
Tar, leather, and earth
Alpine herb and mineral notes

Palate:

Medium to full body
Fine-grained, elegant tannins
Bright acidity (higher than Barolo)
Complex finish with volcanic minerality

Aging evolution: Young wines emphasize fruit and flowers; mature wines develop truffle, tobacco, and complex spice notes.

Food Pairing with Gattinara Wine

Piedmontese and International Cuisine

Optimal serving temperature: 60-64°F (16-18°C)

Classic Piedmont pairings:

Risotto ai funghi: Mushroom risotto with local truffles
Brasato al Barolo: Wine-braised beef
Wild game: Venison, wild boar, duck
Aged cheeses: Gorgonzola, aged Grana Padano, Toma Piemontese

International pairing suggestions:

Herb-crusted lamb
Mushroom-based dishes
Grilled portobello steaks
Dark chocolate desserts (with older vintages)

Decanting recommendations:

Young Gattinara: 1 hour before serving
Aged Riserva: 2-3 hours for optimal expression

Best Gattinara DOCG Producers

Benchmark and Artisan Wineries

Historic producers:

Travaglini: Most internationally recognized, consistent quality
Antoniolo: Family-owned, traditional methods, exceptional Riserva
Nervi: Historic property, owns some of best vineyard sites

Boutique producers:

Petterino: Limited production, artisanal approach
Giachini: Modern techniques, traditional respect
Bianchi: Small family operation, old-vine character

Value recommendations:

Travaglini (entry-level Gattinara)
Antoniolo (mid-range quality)
Nervi Riserva (premium investment)

Where to Buy Gattinara Wine

Availability and Pricing Guide

Availability: Specialty Italian wine shops, fine wine retailers, select restaurants

Price expectations:

Gattinara DOCG: $30-50 (excellent value for DOCG quality)
Gattinara Riserva: $50-80 (comparable to mid-tier Barolo)
Single-vineyard bottlings: $60-100 (collector interest)

Online retailers: Focus on Italian wine specialists, many offer vertical vintage collections

Restaurant availability: High-end Italian restaurants, wine bars with Piedmont focus

Gattinara Wine Aging and Storage

Cellaring Guidelines

Gattinara DOCG: Peak drinking 5-12 years after release Gattinara Riserva: Peak drinking 8-20 years, exceptional vintages age 25+ years Storage conditions: 55°F (13°C), 70% humidity, minimal light

Investment potential:

Limited production creates scarcity value
Historical significance supports collectibility
Excellent aging potential rivals Barolo

Wine Tourism in Alto Piemonte

Visiting Gattinara Wine Region

Best visiting times:

April-May: Spring vineyard awakening, moderate weather
September-October: Harvest season, autumn colors
November: Post-harvest tastings, fewer tourists

Wine tourism highlights:

Travaglini winery tours and tastings
Historic cellars dating to 1800s
Monte Rosa alpine views from vineyards
Combined tours with nearby Ghemme DOCG

Accommodation: Boutique hotels in nearby Novara, vineyard guest houses

Frequently Asked Questions About Gattinara

Q: How does Gattinara differ from Barolo? A: Gattinara shows more elegance and minerality due to volcanic soils and cooler alpine climate. It’s generally more food-friendly and accessible younger than Barolo.
Q: Why is Gattinara less famous than Barolo? A: Much smaller production area (under 100 hectares vs 1,700+ for Barolo) and less marketing investment. Quality rivals famous Piedmont wines.
Q: Should I age Gattinara wines? A: Yes—both regular and Riserva improve significantly with age. Base wines peak at 8-15 years, Riserva can age 20+ years.
Q: What makes Gattinara volcanic terroir special? A: Unique combination of glacial topsoil over volcanic bedrock creates mineral complexity and drainage found nowhere else in Piedmont.
Q: Is Gattinara good value compared to other Nebbiolo wines? A: Excellent value—DOCG quality at prices well below equivalent Barolo or Barbaresco wines.

Understanding Alto Piemonte Wine Region

Northern Piedmont’s Renaissance

Geographic advantages:

Cooler climate extends growing season
Alpine influences preserve acidity
Volcanic soils create unique mineral profiles
Lower land prices enable quality focus

Recent developments:

Renewed international interest
Young winemakers returning to region
Improved viticulture and winemaking techniques
Growing recognition among wine critics

Gattinara Wine Investment Guide

Collecting and Investment Potential

Investment characteristics:

Limited production: Scarcity supports value appreciation
DOCG prestige: Italy’s highest wine classification
Aging potential: Long-term cellaring capability
Undervalued market: Prices below comparable Barolo/Barbaresco

Recommended investment approach:

Focus on Riserva bottlings from top producers
Buy multiple vintages for vertical tastings
Store properly for long-term appreciation

Summary: Discovering Gattinara’s Alpine Elegance

Gattinara DOCG represents one of Italy’s most compelling wine discoveries, offering world-class Nebbiolo expressions at accessible prices from unique volcanic Alpine terroir. With its ancient winemaking history, distinctive mineral character, and exceptional aging potential, Gattinara provides wine enthusiasts with authentic Piedmont quality without the premium pricing of more famous appellations.

Whether you’re exploring Italian wine beyond Barolo and Barbaresco or seeking elegant Nebbiolo for special occasions, Gattinara delivers sophisticated Alpine character that reflects both traditional winemaking excellence and distinctive volcanic terroir.

The combination of limited production, historical significance, and unique terroir makes Gattinara DOCG an essential discovery for serious Italian wine collectors and anyone passionate about authentic Piedmont wine culture.

Explore more exceptional Italian wines at Drink Italian – your guide to authentic beverage culture from across Italy’s diverse wine regions.

Related Wine Guides

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
cheers@drinkitalian.com

If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Piedmont.