Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo, Ghemme DOCG Collis Breclemae 2009

The vineyards are located in the hills formed – in an interglacial stage – by moraine from the Monte Rosa, Western Europe's second highest mountain. The soil is very rich in minerals thanks to the considerable crumbling of the rocks due to the age of the moraine. A selection of the more mature Nebbiolo grapes are hand harvested from the Breclema vineyard in the second half of October. The grapes are de-stemmed and lightly pressed. Fermentation takes place at 28-30°C, from the second day of processing two punch downs a day are carried out in order to favour the extraction of the anthocyanins and the tannins from the skins. The wine is aged for 42 months in Slavonian oak (12/15/30 hl). The bottles were then stored horizontally for refinement lasting over a year.

Another truly exciting area of Alto Piemonte, Ghemme is located in the hills of the Novarra province, just across the river from Gattinara. The Arlunno family, owners of Antichi Vignetti di Cantalupo have lived and farmed here since the late fifteenth century. Cantalupo was established in 1969 when Ghemme gained DOC status and so the family made the decision to re-plant their old vineyards, extend the area under vine and build their winery.

Around 400 meters above sea level, Ghemme has the highest vineyards on this side of the Sesia river, the soils here are varied and complex, much more so than other areas of Alto Piemonte. Locally known as Spanna, Nebbiolo is the majority of their production but the DOCG (since 1997) also permits the addition of Vespolina and/or Uva Rara, locally known as Bonarda Novarese, at a maximum of 25%.

The wines of Ghemme are distinctive, elegant, powerful, high in alcohol and tannin content, making them extremely age worthy. Cantalupo offers two single vineyard cru’s; Ghemme DOCG Collis Carellae and Ghemme DOCG Collis Breclemae. In addition to other styles such as Colline Novaresi DOC Agamium, which is 100% Nebbiolo aged for 12 months in Slavonian oak.