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Gattinara DOCG wines were the pinnacle of Piedmontese aristocracy's output for at least 500 years. The potential of the zone has not altered, but winemaking now has a more specialized character. DOCG Gattinara is a high-style red wine made from the famous Piedmontese Nebbiolo varietal.

The prestigious sub-region of Gattinara Nebbiolo is now renowned around the world for its reputation and significance. We hope you will enjoy these exceptional wines while you journey across the Piedmont wine region.

Gattinara's unrivaled elegance is attributed to the region's unique climate, soil, and winemaking practices. These components constitute a wine style found nowhere else in Italy, or the globe.

We encourage you to explore the exemplary wines that make Gattinara a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Look through our site to discover what Wineries in Gattinara have to offer and take full advantage of this lovely region. 

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Gattinara.

Where is the Gattinara Wine Region?

Gattinara is a red Italian wine with Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) located in the Province of Vercelli in the territory of Upper Piedmont, at the foot of Monte Rosa.

Unique Terroir of Gattinara Appellation

A fine wine with DOCG high qualification, Gattinara comes from Nebbiolo grapes that grow on the pre-alpine hills of the ancient volcanic origin of Gattinara.

The vineyards belong only to the municipality of Gattinara. They grow on hills in the vicinity of the city, at an altitude of 250-550 meters. The surface layer is formed by rocks of glacial origin (clay, sand, stones), and ancient volcanic rocks rich in potassium, magnesium, and iron lie under it.

Gattinara DOCG has a moderate climate that is ideal for growing Nebbiolo grapes.

History of Gattinara Wine Region

Gattinara's ancient lands were inhabited by Ligurs and Celts. The Romans, who invaded the Celtic homeland, introduced winemaking cultural traditions. The origins of the word Gattinara may also be traced back to those times. Consul Catulus constructed an altar for offerings in 101 to commemorate the triumph over the Celts. As a result, the location was known as Catuli Ara (Catulus' altar) and, subsequently, Gattinara. 

Mercurino Arborio had a significant role in Gattinara winemaking, who lived at the crossroads of the 15th and 16th centuries. Well respected in the region Arborio was the one who introduced Gattinara wines to Italian and European courts, owing to his broad political and diplomatic relationships. Meanwhile, he recommended local winegrowers to follow Burgundy's lead and labor "in the style of Beaune." 

The following century was a gloomy period of war actions, devastation, and epidemic for Gattinara, but the city began to recover quickly as early as the middle of the XVII century. Then started Gattinara's golden period, when winemaking, along with wine business, was a top emphasis. The wines were of such great quality that they were regarded as superior to Barolo wines in the nineteenth century.

The Royal Experimental Wine-Making School, together with a school of oenology, vineyards, a winery, and a meteorological station, was established in Gattinara in 1872. It should be noted that the Royal Oenological School of Alba was established later, in 1881. 

Gattinara DOC was established in 1967, shortly after the establishment of a system of restricted wine zones. Its status was elevated to DOCG in 1990.

What is Gattinara DOCG Wine?

Gattinara is a red wine from Nebbiolo, or Spanna as locals call it. Up to 10% of local varieties of Uva Rara and/or Vespolin can be added to it, and the latter – a maximum of 4%. 

The designation of origin Gattinara DOCG is reserved for wines "Gattinara" and "Gattinara riserva", obtained from Nebbiolo min. 90%, while the Vespolina and Uva rara vines, together, can reach a max.10%. The production area includes the entire territory of the municipality of Gattinara.

The minimum aging period for the Gattinara DOCG is 35 months of which 24 are in wooden barrels. For the Riserva wines it takes 47 months of which 24 in wood.

The Gattinara DOCG wine ranges in color from orange to maroon with a dry and harmonious taste showing great complexity. Gattinara DOCG wine has a superb, pleasant, spicy, and flowery aromatic character.  This region produces wines with strong tannins, greater levels of acidity, and a typical violet aroma. 

Food to Pair with Gattinara DOCG Wine

Barolo Risotto 

While most risottos are cooked with white wine, this Piedmontese version is made with Barolo, a rich local red wine grown from the nebbiolo grape that is widely regarded as one of Italy's best. The risotto is created with butter, onions, rice, stock, and, of course, Barolo wine, which gives it a deep pink hue. 

For a more powerful variety, add sausage or borlotti beans, and the meal is topped with butter and grated Parmigiano cheese. Utilizing two of the region's most recognized products as the main components - Barolo wine and rice - this recipe truly reflects the spirit of Piedmont agriculture.

Cinghiale a la dolceforte 

Cinghiale in dolceforte is a typical Tuscany dish that has been cooked since the 16th century. It's created with marinated wild boar meat that's been sliced into bits and cooked with carrots, onions, celery, red wine, and pepper. 

The accompanying dolceforte sauce is composed with beef fluids, pine nuts, raisins, flour, and chocolate. It's poured over the meat and let aside to cool before serving. Cinghiale in dolceforte is known for its complex and contrasting tastes. 

This stew is best served with oven-roasted Treviso radicchio and a glass of Barolo wine.

Taleggio 

This smooth and creamy cow's milk cheese has a distinct scent and a fruity flavor. Its thin rind varies in hue from rose to orange, and it may grow edible mold as it ages. Taleggio is made in square blocks and has a strong scent that grows stronger as the cheese matures. 

It is produced in the adjacent areas of Lombardia, Piemonte, and around the Veneto province of Treviso in northern Italy. The aging process occurs in cold and humid settings, and the rind needs to be handled with water and salt during this time.

Places to Visit Near Gattinara DOCG

Stresa - The "Queen" of Lake Maggiore 

Stresa is located in a magnificent location with amazing panoramic views, under the green slopes of the Mottarone mountain peak. Numerous villas, parks, gardens, flower-filled embankments, sprawling not far from the shore, fragrant with wonderful aromas of tropical plants of Borromeo Island, snow-capped peaks of mountains visible in the distance - all this makes the city of Stresa one of the most important lake resorts in Italy and Europe. 

The mild climate at any time of the year, the serene beauty of the landscape, comfort and top-class services characteristic of a modern tourist facility, many cozy hotels, convenient location, various cultural, sports and social events, numerous conferences and congresses... Stresa is an ideal starting point for a trip along the picturesque shores of Lago Maggiore or visiting the numerous art cities of the Piedmont and Lombardy regions and Switzerland.

Isola Dei Pescatori - Attractive Well-Preserved Piedmontese Village

One of the most gorgeous places in Lake Maggiore is the island of the pescatori. This distinctive old village has been a fishing settlement for generations and is currently home to roughly fifty people, some of whom continue to live in the traditional way. The community is praised for its old-fashioned features and well-preserved architecture. The small lanes and modest structures harken back to the rustic yet lively lifestyles of local fishermen in the past. The little, traditional stores and seafood restaurants add to the vitality of the village, which is a popular day-trip destination. But, the island is most evocative in the nights, when quiet descends and the lights are reflected in the lake's waters.

Isola Madre, Earthy Paradise Island

Isola Madre is the biggest of Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands. It is positioned closer to the lake's southern end. It is 220 meters long and 330 meters broad, and it is surrounded by an incredibly beautiful garden. 

Numerous oriental birds dwell here, including white peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots, which are all free to roam the exquisite island garden. Formerly known as San Vittore and Renata, the island is now a true memorial to the legacy of the Borromeo family, who commissioned the construction of luxurious mansions reminiscent of the legendary family's glory.

Everyone who steps foot on the island is enchanted by its unique, almost mystical aura. Peacocks and pheasants are peacefully roaming about the island, in a lovely garden filled with fragrant flowers, amazing rare and exotic plants, and chattering parrots.  The sensation of being in an authentic Paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gattinara DOC

Where is Gattinara wine produced?

Gattinara is a wine produced only in the municipality of Gattinara in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont.

Why is it called Gattinara?

The name would seem to derive from the Latin Gattinus, a medieval person's name that in turn derives from the Germanic Cat or Latin Cattus.

What to combine with Gattinara wine?

For its complexity, body and power, the Gattinara goes very well with elaborate and important meat dishes, game and game, aged and blue cheeses, fatty dishes, but also the typical risotto with Gattinara.

Map of Wineries in Gattinara

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Gattinara