Bramaterra Wine Region

The acclaimed sub-region of Bramaterra, located in Piedmont, northwest Italy, has an array of wines known worldwide for their reputation and importance. It is most well-known for its fine dry red wine from Nebbiolo grapes, the primary, and signature grape variety. Still, the region uses other grape blends to produce wine, such as Croatina, Uva rara or Vespolina. Bramaterra’s refinement and success result from unique methods, exquisite grapes, and an ideal climate. These elements lend to a style of wine found nowhere else in Italy or in the world.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Bramaterra!

Where is the Bramaterra wine region located?

Bramaterra wine sub-region is situated in Piedmont, northwest part of Italy. Piedmont is one of Italy’s most important wine regions, having up to 30 wine sub-regions, bordering Liguria from the south and Lombardy from the northeast. The Bramaterra wine appellation extends the communes of Masserano, Brusnengo, Curino, Roasio, Villa del Bosco, Sostegno and Lozzolo. Neighbouring wine appellations are Gattinara, Ghemme, Barolo, Barbaresco, Lessona, Coste della Sesia and Colline Novaresi. Surrounded by the western Alps, in the Bramaterra wine sub-region, perfect conditions are created to get a significant and distinctive taste of Nebbiolo grapes. 

The history of the Bramaterra wine region

It is believed that the use of the Bramaterra appellation referred to wine by winemakers and producers in the area began as far back as 1914. In the past, it seems like people often mentioned it as “the wine of Masserano”, or “the wine of the canons”. It was a lot appreciated by the archdiocese of Vercelli, too. From that time until world war two, the volumes of wine produced were higher than in Barolo, reaching 2000 hectares of total production. Finally, it was declared an authorized DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) by earning the appellation status in 1979. 

Bramaterra wine appellation terroir

Bramaterra vineyards sit from 200 to 600 metres above sea level. The soil in the Bramaterra wine region is quite rocky, red-brown in colour and rich in minerals, such as silicon, boron etc. These rocks originate from volcanic stones; therefore, this kind of soil, in combination with a relatively cool climate compared to the rest of the region and Italy in general, stipulates high tannins and the acidic taste of Bramaterra wine. The climate is the Mediterranean, but comparatively colder and with frequent rains. Still, it has zero effect on the wine quality, as the soil neutralizes the water surplus if there is. Sometimes the local vines fail to ripen completely due to prolonged raining periods and are pretty acidic, which is why sometimes Nebbiolo grapes are blended with non-local varieties like Croatina, Uva rara and Vespolina to balance the acidity. All that creates the optimum taste reflected in the refreshing, somewhat acid, fruity and diverse wines. 

Bramaterra wine characteristics

Bramaterra wine region exclusively produces dry red wine, primarily from Nebbiolo grape variety, locally known as Spanna, blended with other authorized grapes such as Croatina up to 30%, Uva rara or Vespolina up to 20% each. The minimum alcohol level for any Bramaterra wine is 12%, and the recommended serving temperature is 20 °C. The colour of Bramaterra wines is garnet or pale red with orange shades. It has a harmonious and intense taste with fruity or spicy flavours. Bramaterra wines are also notable for their ageing potential and can be stored for up to 10 years. The minimum ageing period for regular red wine is two years, from which 18 months are mandatory oak barrel ageing and three years for Bramaterra Riserva with two years of mandatory barrel ageing. 

Food to pair with Bramaterra wine

Polenta con cavoli

Polenta is a ubiquitous Italian dish, but this type of polenta con cavoli or polenta with white beans and cabbage originates from the Piedmont region. The polenta is made of cornmeal, butter, and potatoes. And to this variant, white beans, cabbage, and pork rinds are added. It is topped with black pepper and a generous amount of parmigiano cheese to melt. This creamy, buttery dish is as good for accompaniment to Bramaterra wine as traditional spaghetti.

Vitello tonnato

Vitello tonnato is quite a nutritious and voluminous Italian appetizer, typical to the Piedmont region. It consists of tender-boiled veal meat, covered with creamy tuna sauce made of preserved tuna fish, beaten eggs, butter and flour, and topped with anchovies and capers. This entrée matches perfectly well with the acid and refreshing taste of Bramaterra wine.

Tajarin al tartufo bianco d'Alba

Tajarin al tartufo Bianco d’Alba is a minimal, but rich in taste pasta dish made from tagliatelle pasta flavoured with butter, grated truffles, parsley, salt, and pepper, sprinkled with parmigiano cheese. And pairing it with a glass of fine dry red wine, like Bramaterra, totally upgrades the taste.

Places to visit in the Bramaterra wine region

Museo del Bramaterra

Located right in the natural areas close to the Bramaterra vineyards, the museum enhances the territory of “Bramaterra” wine by preserving historical documentation. This documentation represents local winemaking traditions of the seven “Bramaterra” wine-producing communes, ancient winemaking tools: the press, crushers, vats, brent for grape harvesting, large and small barrels, barriques, demijohns, bottles, bottles, sieves, funnels, bottling machine, fermenter, sulphuring machines, pumps, and tools of peasant culture. One room describes the geology, vegetation, and fauna present in the environment of the Bramaterra vineyards; another one represents vintage photos and explanatory panels relating to the vine’s cycle, diseases, and organoleptic characteristics of wine.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Lorenzo

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Lorenzo is a massive Catholic Church with a bell tower next to it, located in Sostegno, a neighbouring city. Its spacious naves are truly impressive and create a feeling of authenticity. The building is ancient but well-preserved; therefore, it is interesting to visit if you are in the region. 

Lago Ravasanella

Lago Ravasanella is a small lake in the Piedmont region of Italy, near the Bramaterra wine appellation. It is located at an altitude of 325 meters. Lago Ravasanella has become one of Piedmont’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its natural beauty, being surrounded by trees and featuring two islands that offer beautiful views.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bramaterra wine region