Description
Gattinara DOCG is an appellation for dry red, predominantly Nebbiolo, wines produced in the commune of the same name in Italy‘s northwestern Piedmont region.
Grape varieties
Similar to Ghemme (a neighboring DOCG on the opposite, eastern, bank of the Sesia river as it flows due south from the foothills of the Alps towards the river Po), Gattinara wines must contain at least 90 percent of Spanna – the local name for Nebbiolo.
They may include up to 10 percent of the Uva Rara grape variety (also known – confusingly – as Bonarda di Gattinara) and/or four percent of Vespolina.
Vineyard area and climate
The area was granted DOCG status in 1990. In 2015 there were 86 hectares (213 acres) of vineyards located north of Vercelli on steep, south-facing slopes at a height of 270–400 meters (900–1300ft). They are centered around the commune of Gattinara and stretch westward towards the Alps.
This winemaking zone enjoys a continental climate and the vines grow on iron-rich gravel soils of volcanic origin, with traces of carbonate, calcium and magnesium. These unique soils, combined with the ideal microclimate, yield excellent Nebbiolo grapes.
Organoleptic properties (how they taste)
The wines themselves usually range from orange to garnet in color, and have a rustic nature and an aromatic bouquet reminiscent of violets. The wine’s reputation for exceptional longevity is thanks to its very prominent tannins and high acidity. Levels of these can be even greater than those of its more well-known cousins, Barolo and Barbaresco.
History
Like its neighbor Ghemme, the area also has ancient origins. Its name is thought to derive from Catuli Ara (the Altar of Catullus). The site of the town of Gattinara is said to be where the Proconsul Lutatius Catullus dedicated the spoils of his victory over the Cimbrian Gauls in 101 BC. There is also evidence from archaeological finds that dates vine growing as far back as Roman times.
