With this article we want to explain the difference between the native grape varieties of Piedmont and the international ones.
First of all we give you some information on the history of the wine and grape varieties.
Vitis Vinifera and the origin of wine
From which vine was the wine they drank in ancient Greece or ancient Rome obtained? What we tell you will amaze you! If you are wondering from which vine the wine we have been drinking for millennia is obtained, the answer is only one: Vitis Vinifera. A vine with a very ancient history with the Mediterranean at the center of its diffusion.
Vitis Vinifera, through infinite hybridizations, has given rise to over 12,500 varieties of vines with different characteristics in terms of bunches, berries, leaves, and type of wine obtained. The history of wine originates from the vine, a history that has conditioned the habits, customs and traditions of entire civilizations. It is no coincidence that Christianity has associated bread and wine with the Body and Blood of Christ.
International vines
International vines are those vines which, grown in various parts of the world, have always given good quality wines, so much so that they have spread everywhere and represent the majority of vineyards in the world. The main international vines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Noir; in Italy Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Glera from which Prosecco comes. International grape varieties are also called allochthonous grape varieties.
The native vines
A native vine is defined as a vine that has a limited diffusion in the small territory of origin of which it expresses the environmental, cultural and social values highly appreciated by modern consumers.
The native grapes in Italy
In Italy, the National Register includes 884 varieties of native grapes with ever-changing characteristics in terms of aroma, taste and structure. The wines produced with native grapes are trendy today, they are full of personality and represent a good response to the global standardization of taste.
Why so many native vines in Italy?
Because the Italian territory is very diversified due to the climate and the geographical structure which, between hills, mountains, plains and maritime areas, has a unique variability in the world. These characteristics, combined with the great evase of hybridization of Vitis vinifera, have given rise to the proliferation of native vines in Italy.
Research on native grape varieties
In recent years, research institutes in the wine sector have worked hard to research and vinify forgotten native vines, with the aim of recovering typical wines with unique characteristics that distinguish them from wines produced from international vines.
Where the native vines are found
The autochthonous vines are found in the high hills or in the mountains where, due to the abandonment of agriculture, there are still isolated grapes still ungrafted, having survived phylloxera and diseases related to downy mildew and powdery mildew.
Indigenous grape varieties of Piedmont at Tenuta la Marchesa
The vineyards of the Marchesa are included in the denomination of Gavi and in that of Monferrato.
White grape varieties of Piedmont
Among the Piedmontese white wines, one of the most famous is Gavi derived from the native grape Cortese which, although widespread in various areas of Piedmont, best expresses its typicality in the area of origin which is that of Gavi.
The native red grape varieties of Piedmont
The Albarossa vine
Albarossa is an autochthonous Piedmontese vine obtained from a crossing of Nebbiolo and Barbera back in 1938, rediscovered in recent years for its great qualities.
From the Albarossa grape a wine of great structure is obtained, ruby red in color with violet hues, with a complex bouquet rich in fruity sensations and spicy notes, harmonious, velvety, with excellent persistence and hints of minerality. The refinement takes place exclusively in stainless steel, to avoid the typical notes of wood that cover the varietal aromas.
The Pelaverga vine
Pelaverga is a typical Piedmontese native black grape variety; abandoned in 1800 due to phylloxera, it was recovered in the last century for mainly peasant local consumption. In purity it gives a wine of a beautiful purple color with intense aromas of white pepper mixed with notes of blackcurrant. The refinement takes place exclusively in stainless steel, to avoid the typical notes of wood that cover the varietal aromas.
The Slarina vine
Slarina is a forgotten vine from the Monferrato area of Alessandria which in purity gives an intense red wine with aromas of cherry and black cherry. The refinement takes place exclusively in stainless steel, to avoid the typical notes of wood that cover the varietal aromas.
The Uvalino vine
Uvalino is a vine from Monferrato once cultivated by farmers in a few rows to obtain a wine dedicated to special occasions. In purity it gives an almost black wine with great structure and complex spicy aromas with a slight hint of licorice. The refinement takes place exclusively in stainless steel, to avoid the typical notes of wood that cover the varietal aromas.
How to buy the wines of Tenuta la Marchesa
The wines can be purchased at the estate’s sales point from Monday to Friday 9.00-12.00/13.00-17.00 Saturday and Sunday by reservation on 0143/743362 – 335/7618507 or info@tenutalamarchesa.it. The Marquise’s wines can be shipped to your home adding the cost of shipment and taxes.
How much do the wines from the Marchesa’s native grapes cost?
Below is our 2023 price list:
GAVI gold top quality after 8 months of aging €10
ALBAROSSA 2020 from the native grapes Barbera and Nebbiolo clone €10
PELVARO 2021 from 100% Pelaverga native grape with aroma of white pepper €12
LARINO from Slarina grapes with aromas of cherry and black cherry €16
VALINO from Uvalino grapes with aromas of licorice and spices €25
If with this article we have convinced you to buy our wines from native grapes varieties of Piedmont , fill in the form below to book a visit to our estate and buy the wines trough mail-box.