Grapes
Wines from the Langhe are immediately recognisable in a world context because they so completely represent their terroir: that is, the combination of a specific geological area and its particular climate. Single varietals are used to make wines that are vinified with traditional methods and are thus given every chance to express their personalities.
South Piedmont’s great classics – Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato – have been an essential part of local agricultural economy for many years. They are all cultivated throughout the area of land divided by the river Tanaro.
These native vines with their centuries-long history have formed the hub around which the life of local farming folk and their economy has rotated for many generations.
The most cultivated traditional varietals are Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Moscato, followed by smaller quantities of Pelaverga, Freisa, Favorita and Nascetta. International varieties are represented by Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to name the most abundant.
In the Langa the prevalent system of pruning is the so-called ‘Guyot’ or mixed system. The Guyot system is suitable for the dry, relatively infertile soils of steep hillsides. It consists in long fruitbearing canes with from six to ten buds bent into an arch shape, co-existing with shorter spurs bearing only one to two buds, which serve as a base for the following year’s crop.