Alto Piemonte
Where Nebbiolo whispers instead of shouts.
Tucked into the foothills between the Alps and the lakes, Alto Piemonte is one of Italy’s quietest wine regions. Far from the better-known hills of Barolo and Barbaresco, this northern zone tells a different story: cooler climate, volcanic soils, and wines made with restraints and honesty.
Here, Nebbiolo is often called Spanna, and it’s rarely alone. Winemakers blend it with native grapes like Vespolina and Croatina, crafting reds that are floral, lifted, and mineral. Wines with more finesse than force.
But Alto Piemonte is more than a wine region. It’s a place of ancient fortresses, mist-covered vineyards, Alpine food traditions, and voices that carry the rhythm of the land. Everything here feels grounded and intentional. The kind of place you have to want to reach, and are always glad you did.
Some Producers We Trust
Le Pianelle
In the hills of Bramaterra and Lessona, Le Pianelle farms old-vine Nebbiolo on ancient volcanic soil. The wines are herbal, structured, and incredibly elegant, made with a long view and a gentle hand. They don’t chase trends. They just do things right.
Gilberto Boniperti
In the town of Ghemme, Gilberto tends to a small patch of family land with humility and precision. His Spanna and Vespolina are expressive and honest, full of personality but never loud. The kind of winemaker who lets the wine do the talking, and the wine speaks softly, but beautifully.
Curious about Alto Piemonte
Whether you’re already heading north or just starting to imagine your trip, Alto Piemonte is a place that rewards curiosity. Quiet vineyards. Under-the-radar wines. And a slower, more intimate kind of experience.
