What is the true distinction between Piedmont’s native grape varieties and international ones? At Tenuta la Marchesa in Gavi, you can discover the answer firsthand. Awaits you is an exclusive tasting of rare, highly aromatic Piedmontese red native wines, crafted exclusively in stainless steel to preserve their absolute purity. You can purchase them directly at our cellar or enjoy the convenience of having them shipped straight to your doorstep.
But before diving into the tasting, let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of the vine and the ancient secrets behind the origin of wine.
What is vitis vinifera?
Vitis vinifera is a climbing shrub that has thrived in the Mediterranean basin for over 200 million years. Today, it is cultivated across every continent for winemaking. Over millennia, through endless spontaneous and historical hybridizations, this extraordinary plant has given rise to more than 12,500 grape varieties. Each variety is unique, distinguished by the shape of its leaves, the size of its clusters, the characteristics of its berries, and, of course, the distinct sensory profile of the wine it produces.
The Ancient Origins of Wine
Wine was born entirely by chance about 10,000 years ago, thanks to the spontaneous fermentation of grapes from the Vitis vinifera vine. Ancient civilizations immediately embraced it, not just as a preferred beverage, but as a vital source of energy and calories. Because of this, it spread rapidly throughout the entire Mediterranean basin.
The History of the Vine and Wine in Italy
Grape cultivation was introduced to Italy by the ancient Etruscans and the colonies of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece). Later, the Romans perfected viticulture techniques, leaving behind extensive written treatises on vineyard management, winemaking methods, and the most prized grape varieties. In fact, the Romans anticipated the modern concept of DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) by centuries.
What are “American Grapes” and How Did They Save the Wine World?
American grapes come from species native to the American continent (distinct from Vitis vinifera). In Europe, making wine from these grapes is strictly forbidden by law, both to protect traditional European grape varieties and because their flavor profiles are far removed from European tastes.
However, the American vine literally saved global viticulture. Its roots are naturally immune to phylloxera, a devastating insect that destroyed nearly all European vineyards in the mid-19th century. Today, virtually every Vitis vinifera vine in the world is grafted onto American rootstocks.
Why is communion practiced with bread and wine?
The Christian Holy Communion commemorates Christ’s Last Supper, where He associated bread and wine with His body and blood. This choice was deeply symbolic: bread and wine represented the very foundation of physical life and daily sustenance for Mediterranean peoples, just as Christianity became the foundation of their spiritual life.
What and how many are the international grape varieties?
There are approximately 50 international grape varieties. These are varieties that consistently produce high-quality wines worldwide.
The main international varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Pinot Noir. In Italy, key varieties include Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Glera, the latter being the grape used for Prosecco.
What are International Grapes?
There are about 50 international grape varieties. These are varieties that, over time, have been planted in every corner of the globe, from California to Australia. They are famous for their ability to adapt to diverse climates while consistently guaranteeing excellent quality and reliable yields. The most famous worldwide varieties include:
- The Great Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Grenache.
- The Great Whites: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Magic of Indigenous Grapes (Native Varieties)
Indigenous grapes (or native varieties) are rare, unusual, and deeply authentic. Their cultivation and history are strictly limited to their small, original territory. They represent the most genuine expression of the environmental, historical, cultural, and social heritage of a specific region, embodying the true concept of terroir.
Why Does Italy Have So Many Native Grapes?
In Italy, the National Registry counts an incredible 884 varieties of indigenous grapes, a viticultural heritage unmatched anywhere else in the world. This unparalleled biodiversity is due to Italy’s unique microclimates and geography: a tapestry of rolling hills, mountains, plains, and sea breezes. Combined with the vine’s natural tendency to hybridize, this environment allowed unique grapes to develop, reflecting the rural traditions of every single valley.
Many of these rare varieties survived in high hills or rugged mountain areas. When the countryside was largely abandoned after World War II, forests reclaimed the old stone terraces, but the ancient vine pergolas quietly survived. Today, thanks to passionate recovery efforts and meticulous micro-vinifications, these rescued grapes are delivering extraordinary surprises to wine lovers.
The indigenous grapes of Tenuta La Marchesa in Piedmont
Piedmont is a world-class land for indigenous varieties. Alongside the world-renowned Gavi DOCG (crafted from our native white grape, Cortese), we at Tenuta La Marchesa have dedicated ourselves to reviving the region’s lesser-known, authentic red wine traditions across our 145 acres of vineyards.
🍷 The Albarossa Grape Variety
Albarossa is a Piedmontese gem created in 1938 by Professor Dalmasso by crossing Nebbiolo and Barbera. The result is a full-bodied wine with a deep ruby-red color and violet highlights. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet rich in fruity aromas and spicy notes. On the palate, it is harmonious and velvety, boasting excellent persistence and a pleasant minerality. Aging in stainless steel tanks avoids the heavy notes of oak, instead enhancing the freshness of the fruit.
🍷 The Pelaverga di Verduno Grape Variety
Pelaverga is an extremely rare grape variety, coming from Barolo area, that almost disappeared in the 19th century due to phylloxera, only to be recovered during the last century. Our Pelvaro wine is a 100% single-varietal Pelaverga: it features a beautiful purple color and releases intense, unmistakable aromas of white pepper mixed with hints of blackcurrant, brought out to the fullest by aging exclusively in stainless steel.
🍷 The Slarina Grape Variety
Slarina is an ancient variety originating from the Monferrato region. When vinified as a single varietal, it gives life to our Larino, a wine that wins you over with its crisp aromas of cherry and wild cherry. Thanks to moderate alcohol content (12% ABV) and the complete absence of oak aging, it is a fresh red wine that can be beautifully served chilled during the summer.
🍷 The Uvalino Grape Variety
Uvalino is a historic Monferrato grape variety, once cultivated by local farmers in just a few rows, reserved exclusively for life’s grandest occasions. Our Valino red wine is a structured, full-bodied wine with an almost black color, characterized by deep spicy aromas and a subtle, fascinating hint of licorice. It is aged entirely in stainless steel to preserve its powerful identity.
An Emotional Experience: Where to Taste and Buy Our Wines
If you are looking for an alternative to the usual oak-aged wines, our Valino (made from Uvalino grapes) is an experience you cannot miss. Just imagine: there are less than five acres planted of this grape variety in the entire Piedmont region! A truly emotional wine, available at 25 euros per bottle.
Come visit us at Tenuta La Marchesa in Gavi:
- Wine Tastings & Experiences: You can choose a guided tasting paired with a tour of the estate, or pair it with a platter of traditional local products.
- Charming Wine Resort: Want to pair rare wines with a night of total relaxation? The rooms of our farmhouse and our restaurant are the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay in the quiet of the Piedmontese hills.
- Purchasing & Shipping: Our wines can be purchased directly at the Estate’s retail shop or at our farmhouse inn’s wine shop. We ship directly to your door anywhere in Italy with a minimum order of 130 euros. We ship abroad according the local taxes and cost of shipment.
For pricing information and reservations, email us at: info@tenutalamarchesa.it.
With this article, we’ve explained the difference between Piedmont’s native grape varieties and international ones. If you would like to taste them before buying, please fill out the form below.