Erbaluce is a native white grape variety from Piedmont, associated primarily with the Canavese region and the morainic hills around Caluso. Of ancient origins, it has been documented since at least the 17th century, and its name is thought to derive from the archaic form ‘Albaluce’, evoking the luminosity of the grapes as they ripen under the autumn sun. The leaf is medium to large, generally five-lobed, with a wavy margin; the bunch is medium-sized, cylindrical or cylindrical-conical, often winged and of varying compactness. The berry, spherical and of medium size, has a pruinose, yellow-green skin, sometimes tinged with pink or amber on the most exposed parts, and crisp flesh with a simple flavour.
It is mainly grown in the province of Turin, though it is also found in the hilly areas of Biella and Vercelli, around Lakes Viverone and Candia. Its bunches yield straw-yellow wines, fragrant with white flowers, citrus, apple and subtle herbaceous notes, underpinned by lively acidity, good balance and dynamic structure. In their more mature expressions, they develop complexity and mineral notes, with significant ageing potential. Erbaluce also stands out for its oenological versatility: it serves as the basis for still wines, sparkling wines – including those refermented in the bottle – and passito wines, produced thanks to the grapes’ good integrity during the drying process.
