The Canavese is a wine-growing region in north-western Piedmont, nestled between the morainic amphitheatre of Ivrea, the Serra and the foothills of the Alps. The presence of the Dora Baltea river, the lakes of Viverone and Candia, and a complex system of hills helps to create a varied landscape, where the vines thrive in cool, sunny and well-ventilated environments.
The geological composition is closely linked to the action of the Alpine glaciers: the morainic soils alternate between pebbles, sand, clay and mineral components, promoting drainage, depth and a distinct savoury character in the wines. The climate benefits from air currents from the Alps and the temperature variations between day and night, which are particularly important in the period leading up to the harvest. These conditions help to preserve acidity, aromas and expressive finesse.
The area’s signature grape variety is Erbaluce, which captures the essence of the Canavese in still whites, sparkling wines and passito wines. Its natural freshness gives rise to wines with an elegant, fragrant and mineral profile, whilst traditional drying develops complexity, aromatic intensity and balance. The vineyards also feature Nebbiolo, Barbera, Bonarda, Freisa, Neretto and Uva Rara, which are the main varieties used in reds, rosés and blends characterised by dynamic structure, savoury complexity and well-defined acidity.
The training systems reflect local history: the pergola system is particularly associated with Erbaluce, whilst red grape varieties are mainly grown in rows. For sparkling wines, early harvesting is favoured to preserve a fresh base, followed by secondary fermentation in a pressure tank. Winegrowing in the Canavese thus retains a deeply Alpine and morainic identity, expressed through crisp, vertical and distinctive wines.
