Gattinara

Gattinara is found in Italy's north-western Piedmont region. The area was granted DOCG status in 1990. Its 100 hectares of vineyards are located north of Vercelli on steep, south-facing slopes centered around the commune of Gattinara and stretching westward towards the Alps. This winemaking zone enjoys a continental climate and the vines grow on iron-rich gravelly soils of volcanic origin, with traces of carbonate, calcium and magnesium. Similar to Ghemme, the wine must comprise 90% Spanna (the local name for Nebbiolo), the rest made up of Bonarda di Gattinara and Vespolina.