Colline Novaresi DOC covers the vineyard landscape of the Novara hills in northern Piedmont, between the Sesia valley and the slopes leading towards Lake Maggiore. The scenery was shaped by ancient glaciers and includes morainic ridges, gentle terraces and slopes with varied exposures. Soils are often gravelly, sandy and stony, with local clay, iron-rich elements and acidic parent rock. Their natural drainage encourages deep rooting and supports gradual, balanced ripening. The continental climate is influenced by the proximity of both the Alps and the lakes: cool nights and marked diurnal shifts help preserve fragrance, acidity and precision in the grapes.
Nebbiolo, locally known as Spanna, is central to the denomination’s red wines. It produces pale-hued, fragrant wines marked by red berries, violet, spice and a distinctive, firm tannic frame. Varietal wines may also be made from Vespolina, Croatina, Barbera and Uva Rara. Vespolina contributes peppery lift and freshness; Croatina adds colour and generous fruit; Barbera brings vivid acidity and darker fruit tones; Uva Rara lends aromatic delicacy. The denomination’s red blends reflect the long-established local practice of complementing Nebbiolo with these native varieties. In the white wine category, Erbaluce has an important role, retaining incisive acidity and citrus clarity even in warmer vintages.
Pruning and canopy management are directed toward airy fruiting zones and even maturity. Grapes are commonly harvested separately by parcel and variety. Red wines are made after destemming through temperature-controlled fermentation on the skins, with maceration tailored to the structure of the fruit and the character of the vintage. Maturation may take place in neutral vessels or in wood, chosen to soften Spanna’s tannins without obscuring its origin. Colline Novaresi DOC belongs to the long viticultural tradition of the Novara hills and provides the broad regional framework alongside the area’s historic, more narrowly defined appellations.
