Langhe Wine Region

At the east of the Tanaro river and south of Alba, you notice the beautiful hilly subregion Langhe, which borders France and Switzerland in the North-West of Italy. The name "Langhe" is the plural form of langa, which means a long hill. This appellation is part of the Piedmont wine region and produces a huge array of wines. Langhe wine appellation is the ideal place for wine lovers to taste unique wines and local food.

Where is Langhe located?

The Langhe is a South wine-producing appellation of the Italian region of Piemonte, located in the hilly area to the south and east of the river Tanaro. Nowadays, this region is considered one of the most famous and notable wine areas of the region.

Langhe wine map

History of the Langhe

Langhe is a historical area that is considered to be one of the most captivating winemaking areas in Italy. The city of Alba is the capital of Langhe that was founded by a Ligurian tribe, the Statielli, and later the Celts.

The winemaking history of Lange goes back to Roman times as they brought development to the area and baptized the settlement Alba Pompeia. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was raided by the Burgundians in 490 and later by the Franks, Lombards, and Saracens.

During the Middle Ages, it was disturbed by conflict, and its inhabitants built numerous castles, and it became known as “the city of 100 towers”.

In the 1800s the place regained peace under the House of Savoy and The Langhe became well-known all over the world for its production of exceptional wines that the noble French family transported to the royal courts throughout Europe.

On 22 June 2014, Langhe was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its cultural landscapes, an excellent living testimony to winegrowing and winemaking traditions that originated from a rich history, and that has been continuously improved and adjusted to the modern era.

The Terroir of Langhe

The area of Langhe is full of mixed landscapes where hills, mountains, and plains coexist. The wine-growing landscape also expresses great aesthetic qualities with its charming vineyards and nature.

The Langhe extends into the lower Piedmont, between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti, and is full of wonderful hilly and foggy landscapes. This appellation is famous for its calcareous-clayey soils that give the Langhe wines complexity and structure.

The climate is continental and is designated by long cold, snowy winters and hot summers, with significant temperature changes that allow excellent ripening of late grape varieties such as Nebbiolo.

Following a long and slow evolution of winegrowing expertise in this area, the best possible adjustment of grape varieties to land with specific soil and climatic components has been carried out, which is related to huge winemaking traditions.

Take a look at our list of wineries in Langhe to discover more.

The most distinctive Langhe wines

The grapes in Langhe are cultivated on sunny hills, in a large area encompassing 94 districts in the province of Cuneo, which is the place where many great wines originated. Also, there are grapes grown throughout Roero and part of Langhe Monregalese, both north, and west of the Tanaro river.

For the red wines, Langhe DOC uses the grapes Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Freisa. Although they are sometimes supplemented by international varieties, these red wines are a bit on the retreat. For the white wines, the most popular grapes are Favorita, Arneis, and Chardonnay.

The reason why the Langhe wines are so high in quality is that the terroir and climate are ideal for growing long-lived, acidic grapes like Nebbiolo. Langhe is a cold terroir because it is close to the glacier-topped Alps to the north. The appellation is also often covered in a dense fog, particularly in the early morning hours. These conditions allow the grapes to develop high acidity, bold fruit flavors, and high tannins, which results in high-quality wines.

The best Langhe wines have high acidity, firm tannin, and most of them age for exceptionally long periods of time. Some of the popular wines from the Langhe area are Barbera d’Alba, Barolo, and Barbaresco. However, not all the wines from this region are acidic and tannic. They also produce round Dolcetto and light sparkling Friesa that are lighter and softer wines.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Langhe

Food to pair with Langhe wine

1. Tajarin al tartufo bianco d'Alba

Tajarin al Tartufo Bianco d'Alba is a simple Italian dish that is made with a special type of pasta-Tajarin. The dish consists of handmade tajarin (also called taglierini and tagliolini) pasta seasoned with pepper, butter, and white truffles. Although truffles produce more than enough essence, a sprinkle of Parmigiano is frequently used to finish this delicacy, which becomes even more delicious if paired with a glass of red Langhe wine.

Tajarin is made with a higher balance of egg yolks, resulting in a delicate texture and rich flavor. Tajarin were first served in Piemonte as early as the 1500s, often with a hearty ragù of organ meats, or rabbit meat. Nowadays it is served with a luxurious butter sauce and fresh white truffles of Alba.

2. Salsiccia di Verduno

Salsiccia di Verduno is an Italian dish from the municipality of Verduno. It is prepared with a traditional sausage and a well-balanced mix of lean veal and pork belly. They are seasoned with pepper, salt, and a mixture of spices. This meat is often used raw or as part of Italian specialties such as ragù, a meat-based appetizer.

The dish is traditionally enhanced with the addition of Pelaverga wine, a local variety of red wine, and the sausage mixture is then typically placed into natural casings.

3. Baci di Cherasco

Baci di Cherasco is crunchy Piedmontese sweets from Italy made with dark chocolate and distinguished hazelnuts of the Tonda gentile delle Langhe variety that are first cooked, then crushed together with sugar and cocoa butter.

It has been produced since the 1800s, and nowadays they are even protected as a traditional agricultural product. It might be simple, but a blend of dark chocolate and best quality hazelnuts is enough for a true explosion of characteristics. You can pair this dessert with the sweet Langhe wines.

Places to visit in Langhe

1. Castle of Grinzane Cavour

The Castle of Grinzane Cavour is located in Grinzane Cavour, Piedmont, northern Italy. Its origin dates back to the 13th century around the 1350 year. The castle holds a large tower, which is considered to be the most antiquated part of the construction.

In the 15th century, the castle and the surroundings were owned by the marquis of Busca. In the mid-19th century, Conte di Cavour restored the construction and improved the vine cultivations in the area.

2. Castello di Serralunga d'Alba

The Castle of Serralunga d'Alba overshadows one of the most impressive and historical villages of Langhe, encircled by the rolling hills of Barolo vines. Considered to be one of the best-conserved examples of 14th-century royal palaces in Piedmont, this castle represents a French architectural style.

The castle has been the property of the State since 1949 by its purchase by the Opera Pia Barolo. Nowadays, you can visit this medieval place and enjoy astonishing views and architecture. 

3. Cappella delle Brunate

This beautiful brightly-colored chapel is located in the hills of La Morra in Italy. The chapel is more than a century old but was restored and repainted in 1999 by two contemporary artists. It was first built in 1914 and served as a shelter for the vineyard workers. In the early 1970s, the land was acquired by the Ceretto family. The chapel was almost in ruins and being used to stock farm implements.

Later in the 1990s, they decided to reconstruct the chapel, and it became one of the most beautiful places to see in this area. Nowadays you can visit the place and see its colorful walls surrounded by vineyards.

Discover and visit the closest wineries to Turin city!

Frequently Asked Questions about Langhe