Winemakers in the higher lying vineyards of the Langhe hills
Behind the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines, straddling the provinces of Asti and Cuneo, the territory of southern Piedmont, which represents one of the most fascinating and generous regions in the world in terms of quality and variety of wine production, extends for about 40 kilometres, surrounded by the Tanaro river: the Langhe. This corner of paradise, whose evocative landscape was recognised in 2014 as a Unesco World Heritage Site, sees a succession of lush hills embellished with medieval villages, from which rise proudly imposing castles and towers. Here, Indigenous vines are favoured: Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, Moscato. The roots of the exceptional nature of this wine-growing area, home of Barolo and Barbaresco, are to be found in its origins, its rich subsoil and particularly favourable climate. They are the only two DOCGs that have adopted an internal subdivision into sub-zones and enjoy an additional mention following the cru model in Burgundy. The Barolo we know today was born around 1830. Thanks to the influence of the great French school of oenology, from a sweet and sparkling wine it became a dry.
The Anna Maria Abbona winery, which has its historic headquarters in Farigliano, on the border with the Alta Langa, began its Barolo production journey in 2009 with the purchase of the first plots of land on the hilltop of Bricco San Pietro, in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba .. Recently, the old farmstead has been conservatively renovated to be used as a winery and agritourism, Cascina Bricco San Pietro houses new rooms for tasting and overnight stays.
Anna Maria Abbona’s Barolo Bricco San Pietro is characterised by intense aromas of berries, violets and tobacco to which aromas of root and liquorice are added. On the palate, the wine has good freshness, with tasty tannins and fruity returns that lead well to a balsamic finish. A great wine that lends itself well to accompany rich festive tables, or as a precious gift.
In the Alta Langa, on the other hand, a steeper area on the border with Liguria, the geometry of cultivation is not only marked by the geometry of the vineyards but by more or less regular patches of hazelnut groves, orchards, wheat fields and woods. Here, the last decade has seen an increase in the cultivation of vines with international grape varieties that are important for the production of Alta Langa wines: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which give rise to Alta Langa Docg, a Metodo Classico that stays on the lees for no less than 30 months, while the Riserva requires 60 months. Anna Maria Abbona began the Alta Langa docg project in 2013 with the acquisition of land in the municipality of Marsaglia, at 600 metres above sea level, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were planted. Production began with the 2019 vintage with the first ALTA LANGA EXTRA BRUT SAN BARTOME’ , a cuvee of 86% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, 30 months on the lees. This production will be joined in 2021 by the first ALTA LANGA EXTRA BRUT ROSE’ CLARA: 100% Pinot Noir, 30 months on the lees.
The historic wine cellar of Moncucco di Farigliano, located 570 metres above sea level, houses the vinification and ageing of traditional wines (Dogliani, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Riesling and Nascetta) in addition to the new production of Alta Langa. This cellar is also equipped for visits and tastings on the panoramic terraces from which you can enjoy an incomparable view.
