A map that reveals the soul of Alto Piemonte

Anyone who has ever tasted a glass of Gattinara, Lessona, or Boca knows that Nebbiolo can be so much more than just Barolo or Barbaresco. In Alto Piemonte, at the foot of the Alps, this grape takes on a personality all its own: refined, elegant, mineral, and often surprisingly fresh.

But why does a Nebbiolo from Ghemme taste different from one from Bramaterra? And what makes Lessona so special? The answer lies not only in the winemaker, but above all in the landscape itself.

To bring that unique identity to life, a comprehensive map of the Nebbiolo appellations of Alto Piemonte has now been created for the first time. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to get to know this still relatively unknown wine region better.

The map brings together the ten appellations of Alto Piemonte: Boca, Bramaterra, Colline Novaresi, Coste della Sesia, Fara, Lessona, Sizzano, Valli Ossolane, Gattinara, and Ghemme. It not only shows where the vineyards are located but also illustrates how the hills, ancient volcanic soils, rivers, and variations in elevation all contribute to how each wine ultimately comes to life in the glass.

That is precisely where the magic of Alto Piemonte lies. Within a relatively small area, Nebbiolo wines are produced, each telling its own unique story. Some are refined and floral, others more powerful and spicy, but all carry the character of their own piece of landscape.

The map was developed by the Consorzio Tutela Nebbioli Alto Piemonte, in collaboration with the specialists at Vigna Veritas. Their ambition was not simply to create an overview map, but to develop a tool that helps enthusiasts better understand the region and view these exceptional wines with fresh eyes.

For those who enjoy discovering where a wine truly comes from, this map is an invitation to look beyond the label. It shows how closely nature, history, and craftsmanship are intertwined. And perhaps it will even inspire you, the next time you open a bottle, to look beyond the producer and become curious about the appellation and the landscape behind it.

For many wine lovers, Alto Piemonte remains a hidden gem. Perhaps that is precisely its greatest charm. This new map makes it easier than ever to discover that hidden world step by step—glass by glass.

This fall, we’ll be hosting Alto Piemonte Masterclasses again in both Flanders (Ghent, Antwerp, Mechelen) and Wallonia (Namur, Liège). There is a maximum of 12 people per session. Would you like to be the first to know when and where the masterclasses will take place? Send an email to sales@madeinpiedmont-wines.be with the subject line “Alto Piemonte masterclass.”