Langhe
Langhe is a hilly region in the Cuneo province of Piedmont in Italy. It is home to a number of world famous wine producing regions, including Barolo and Barbaresco.
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Understand
- See also: Wine tourism#Italy
The region is particularly interesting from the perspective of wine tourism because they make wine like this nowhere else in the world. The difficult but noble nebbiolo grape is used in Langhe to make two of the best wines in the world, Barbaresco and Barolo, "the king of wines and the wine of kings". There have been attempts to export the grape, but so far the resulting wine has failed to reach the quality of the nebbiolo wines of Langhe.
Other interesting red wines include barbera and the simpler dolcetto. White wines are not as famous, but among others arneis and chardonnay are produced. There are also unusual local varieties such as freisa, used to make a lightly sparkling red wine, and grignolino. The moscato grape is used to make above all a low-alcohol dessert wine.
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See
There are few important sights. But as the region is hilly, it offers some great views. Good places to admire them are La Morra and the castle in Grinzane Cavour (housing the regional wine cellar and a restaurant).
Do
If you are really interested in wine, visit a producer for a tour and a tasting. Like elsewhere, visiting wineries in the Langhe is like visiting a working farm. It is a good idea to call ahead before you show up, but it may be possible to taste wine without an appointment at some wineries.
- Pio Cesare Azienda Agricola, Via Cesare Balbo 6, Alba, β +39 0173 440386, fax: +39 0173 363680.
- Azienda Agricola Vigna Rionda (Massolino), Piazza Cappellano 8, Serralunga d'Alba, β +39 0173 613138, fax: +39 0173 613949.
- La Spinetta, Via Carzello 1, Grinzane Cavour, β +39 0173 262291. A modern producer famous for its Pin blend and its Barolo. Tasting 15β¬ (4 wines) or 20β¬ (6 wines).
- Cavallotto Fratelli, Via Alba-Monforte, Bricco Boschis, Castiglione Falletto, β +39 017362814. Many classic Langhe wines made in a traditional style: Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto among others. Unique in that they have all the vines planted in one place, resulting in a beautiful vista.
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