History
For millennia this name has been given to the system of hills that from the south of Piedmont go towards the north-east, seeking the encounter with the Po Valley. The Langhe constitute a geographical area in the shape of an irregular polygon of the perimeter of about 200 kilometers, divided into three distinct hill chains, of which the eastern one is between the two Bormides (of Spigno and Millesimo), the central between the Bormida of Millesimo and the Belbo, the western part between the Belbo and the Tanaro. The Barolo area belongs to the latter chain, with Alba being its capital.
In ancient times, its inhabitants were called Langenses and belonged to a Ligurian tribe based on the northern side of the Apennines, north of Genoa. The famous bronze tablet of Genoa refers to them which establishes the delimitation of the borders of pasture, made in 117 BC, between the Genuates and the Langenses, mentioned for the first time in a historical document.
It is usual to distinguish the Alta Langa and the Bassa Langa from an elevation: the south-eastern reliefs, many of which close to 900 meters, are part of the former; the second, more fertile, slopes down towards the Tanaro, with the famous vineyards of Barolo.
The conformation of the three chains and that of the dozens of buttresses that branch off in a herringbone pattern, almost as many languages, seems to have given rise to the very name of Langhe (from the radical lang, long) which would represent plastically the chaining of long hills. ‘with each other. This etymological hypothesis is confirmed by the phrase “to go to Langa” still used by the inhabitants to indicate a path that follows the ridge of the hills.
All the roads of the Langhe follow the crest of the hills: this is explained by the geological constitution of the land, subject to erosion at the base of the hills; for the same reason also the inhabited centers are, in general, on the ridges and this fact contributes to making the view of the Langhe more spectacular, dotted with castles, towers, villages, chapels as refuge for pilgrims.
The harshness of the places has contributed in the recent past to isolate the Langhese massif, avoided by both railway lines and highways, practically abandoned in the state of medieval and Roman roads, all longitudinal to the orientation of the three hill chains.
The Langhe and its famous wines
To date, one of the Italian excellences of wine at an international level is represented by the Piedmont region, of which the limelight has touched in a particular way the area and the Langhe wines of which we are great fans.
The Langhe are divided into Alta and Bassa Langa, the lower Langa is located to the north between the Tanaro and Belbo rivers and is recognized all over the world for its most prestigious wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco beyond Pelaverga, Dolcetto d ‘ Alba and Dogliani in Nebbiolo and Barbera.
The Alta Langa, on the other hand, is located further south and has hills that are much steeper and even reach 750 meters or more where the production of Alta Langa, Moscato and Barbera has been developing for some time and where some also produce Timorasso.
Langhe Roero and Monferrato is a macro area within which we find a lot from an oenological point of view, given that we are talking about an area rich in varieties of cultivated grapes and which find their maximum expression here as happens for Pinot and Chardonnay grapes in Burgundy. or the Riesling grapes in Moselle.
The turning point was the recognition of this territory as a Unesco cultural heritage in 2014, an element that gave a decisive boost at a tourist and commercial level, but always supported mainly by the quality of the products.
THE VINES OF THE LANGHE
Referring to the most followed and preferred areas, let’s start with the main grape variety of the Langa: Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is produced in 94 municipalities of the Langhe, while Nebbiolo d’Alba has its district in 25 municipalities close to the Tanaro river.
This grape is manifested in its maximum expressions in the DOCG Barolo and Barbaresco, but has declinations in other denominations or areas with different names such as Spanna in Alto Piemonte (Boca, Bramaterra, Gattinara and Lessona some important Docs) or Chiavennasca in Valtellina .
Nebbiolo grapes have become a real cult over the years. Especially in the last 20 years the “new” consumer and the appeal that this magnificent blend has aroused in him have represented the change of pace within this beautiful territory both in the choice of grapes to be planted and in the sales policy.
The Nebbiolo grapes are indigenous to this beautiful Langarolo area and the name derives from a double characteristic of the blend, namely that the grapes ripen late in correspondence with the appearance of the first mists and that the skins are covered with a consistent layer of Pruina, which it is a natural substance that blurs the color of the bunches.
The different varieties or clones of Nebbiolo are Lampia, Rosé and Michet, but normally the most used is Lampia.
Barbera
Barbera is considered the meal bottle as it is for Dolcetto and in Piedmont it develops its three main declinations in the DOC of Asti, Monferrato and Alba.
Barbera d’Alba is produced in the territory of the Municipality of Alba and 39 municipalities around it in its entirety and on 13 municipalities partially. The development of this appellation on the market has led to wines that are not only for everyday life, but also to wines of greater complexity and longevity that enthusiasts have tried to approach over time due to the ease of matching with the kitchen.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a characteristic vine of the Langhe and has different suffixes depending on the Doc in which it resides.
We find the Dolcetto d’Alba which is located in the area around the municipality of Alba which includes 35 municipalities entirely or partially.
Depending on the area, it is proposed to be more or less muscular or fine and elegant. It finds its natural paired with cheeses and cured meats and in general it is considered and used as a table wine in the tradition of the territory.
Another version of Dolcetto is that of Dogliani which identifies the area around the same municipality, a junction between the Langhe and the upper Langa where the altitude begins to rise.
A feature that, together with the microclimate, makes it possible to give wines that are more elegant than some Albesi variables, so much so that according to many, Dolcetto a Dogliani finds the ideal conditions and offers the best of itself.
Pelaverga has its own Doc which includes a small centralized production in the municipality of Verduno, where we find the best results, but which also extends to small plots in La Morra and Roddi.
According to some producers who produce it, it is better to appreciate its qualities at a young age, where floral notes prevail alongside spicy ones that become accentuated with time.
This almost unknown grape variety has resumed the limelight a few years ago with the attempt to propose it as an aperitif wine, but trying it makes us think of a wine ready for any need right away.
THE NAMES OF THE WINES OF THE LANGHE
Barolo DOCG
His Majesty the Barolo sees the borders of his empire delimited since 1966 in 11 municipalities of which only 3 for their entire territory while the remaining 8 only partially.
Serralunga d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and Barolo are included in the denomination in their entirety while the remaining 8 are Verduno, Roddi, Novello, Monforte d’Alba, La Morra, Grinzane Cavour, Diano d’Alba and Cherasco.
Barolo is made up entirely of 100% Nebbiolo grapes from the aforementioned municipalities and requires a minimum aging of 38 months in the cellar starting from November 1st following the harvest of which at least 18 months are spent in barrels.
For the special mention Riserva, the 38 months are extended and become 60 months of minimum storage in the cellar. The minimum percentage of alcohol by volume for Barolo must be 13%.
Within the denomination we can find all the diversities that the great Actors / Producers can offer us depending on how they work and the philosophy that guides them.
We could open a discussion that would take time about what is best, who has a better style, modernists or traditionalists. We really only care that the wine is good, sincere and …… to taste it.
In any case it is considered the most valuable and important wine of the Langhe.
Click on the following link to view offers and prices of Barolo DOCG on Svino.it
Barbaresco DOCG
Another relevant denomination, always with the Nebbiolo variety, is the Barbaresco DOCG, which includes the municipalities of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso plus a part of the hamlet of Alba San Rocco Seno d’Elvio.
The altitude of the plots is considered to be among the ideal ones for the cultivation of Nebbiolo grapes and is between 150 and 450 meters above sea level, with a prevalence of the range between 250 and 400 meters.
The recognition of the Denomination of Controlled Origin dates back to 1966 and that of the DOCG in October 1980. The minimum aging required by law is 26 months, starting from November 1 of the year of harvesting of the grapes. At least 9 months the wines must remain in wooden barrels.
With regard to Barbaresco Riserva: the term can be indicated on the label when the wine has remained in the company for at least 50 months, again starting from November 1st of the year the grapes are harvested.
The maximum production per hectare is 8,000 kg of grapes while the minimum alcohol content is set at 12.5 degrees.
Langhe DOC
The denomination covers a total of 54 municipalities in the Cuneo area and Roero. We find the possibility of including many grape varieties that must follow a certain type of vinification and respect a set of specific characteristics.
These include:
Arneis, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Favorita, Freisa, Merlot, Nascetta, Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero, Riesling, Rossese Bianco and Sauvignon. In addition to the specific doc that mentions the vine, we can also find the mention of types such as Langhe Rosato, Rosso, Bianco which provide a blend of the aforementioned vines with limitations.
Langhe DOC is a denomination that introduces a first set of rules to follow, but we will note below how the most prestigious denominations introduce more stringent rules. For example, the Alba qualification limits the use of the single grape variety or a blend with more limitedly defined vines, this obviously leads to more qualitative products from an objective point of view and serves the consumer to explain the logic of prices. Not everything is defined here since prices also evaluate many other variables that are not considered here as the limited productions, the producer and his work to name a few.
Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
The Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, as for any denomination with grape variety specified within the DOC Langhe, provides for a minimum quantity of Nebbiolo grapes of 85% to which a maximum of the remaining part with permitted grape varieties is added and must meet certain chemical and physical characteristics .
Langhe Barbera DOC
The same rule applies for example to the Langhe Barbera DOC where a minimum of 85% of Barbera grapes is required.
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC as a denomination is limited to 25 municipalities close to the Tanaro river and provides for the use of 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Depending on whether it is identified as Superiore, Sparkling wine or with the specific name of the vineyard in which is produced by changing the minimum alcoholic strength, the aging time or the yield per hectare.
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Barbera d’Alba is produced in the territory of the Municipality of Alba and 39 municipalities around it in its entirety and on 13 municipalities partially. The specification provides that it must have a minimum composition of 85% Barbera grapes to which a maximum of 15% Nebbiolo grapes can be added. Depending on whether it is identified as Superiore or with a specific name of the vineyard in which it is produced, the minimum alcohol content, the aging time or the yield per hectare change.
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Dolcetto d’Alba is found in the area around the municipality of Alba and 35 other municipalities entirely or partially and depending on the area and is made from 100% Dolcetto grapes. Depending on whether it is identified as Superiore or with the specific name of the vineyard in which it is produced, the minimum alcoholic strength, the aging time or the yield per hectare change.
Dolcetto di Dogliani DOC
Dolcetto di Dogliani has a production area restricted to the municipalities of: Bastia, Belvedere Langhe, Cigliè, Clavesana, Dogliani, Farigliano, Monchiero and Rocca di Cigliè and in part of the territory of Roddino and Somano. Depending on whether it is identified as Superiore or with the specific name of the vineyard in which it is produced, the minimum alcohol content, the aging time or the yield per hectare change.
Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOC
Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba provides for its production area restricted to the entire municipality of Diano d’Alba. Depending on whether it is identified as Superiore or with the specific name of the vineyard in which it is produced, the minimum alcohol content, the aging time or the yield per hectare change.
Alta Langa DOCG
The Alta Langa appellation provides an extended territory based on a large list of municipalities in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria and concerns sparkling wines produced using the classic method in white or rosé and also reserve. The grape varieties provided are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 90 to 100%. The remainder may include grapes from non-aromatic vines suitable for cultivation in the Piedmont region. The permanence of the wines on the lees must last from a minimum of 30 months to 36 months for the reserves.
Verduno Pelaverga DOC
Verduno Pelaverga provides for a minimum use of grapes of the same name equal to 85% and for the remaining 15% it is allowed to use other black berried grapes originating in the Piedmont Region. This Doc which includes a small centralized production in the municipality of Verduno which also extends to small plots in La Morra and Roddi.
HOW TO PAIR THE WINES OF THE LANGHE
How to combine Barolo and Barbaresco
A glass of Barolo as well as Barbaresco must be served around 18 °. It is preferable to serve it cooler and heat it in the glass than to find it at the right temperature and find it warmer in the glass after the first sips.
The blend of these two important wines is the same, consequently the combinations suggested below can be considered valid for both wines, taking into account their generally similar characteristics.
In the first instance we play the pairing of Langhe wines with local cuisine where dishes such as stews with polenta or game are not lacking.
As well as on the prestigious blue and aged cheeses and mountain tomes in addition to the classic combination with truffles or mushrooms that accompany first courses or for example eggs which are a good reason to open a nice bottle of prestigious Barolo.
Leaving the area of competence, we think of first courses based on meat (lasagna, for example, which adds the greasiness of the béchamel), soups, soups, grilled meats, or cooked with the use of spices or smoking.
How to combine Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Alta Langa
We are talking about different blends and wines that perform well on different dishes of the territory and also of the Italian tradition.
Starting from the concept that the first pairing is of a territorial type and the wines of the Piedmontese Langhe are designed for everyday use (except Barolo and Barbaresco of course), the first choice is to pair them with Tajarin, risotto, agnolotti, ravioli del plin, baked pasta rather than with cheeses (gorgonzola, bross, toma), cured meats or game.