Coste della Sesia

The Protected Designation of Origin "Coste della Sesia"; identifies different types of Piedmontese wines: Red, Rosé, White, Nebbiolo (or Spanna), Croatina and Vespolina.

Grapes

As far as production is concerned, every type of "Coste della Sesia" wine requires its own blend. Rosso and Rosato are obtained with a minimum of 50% from Nebbiolo and a further 50% (maximum) from other non-aromatic red grapes, suitable for cultivation in Piedmont. White, on the other hand, is produced in purity, with 100% Erbaluce. Finally, wines with specific indications, such as Nebbiolo, Croatina or Vespolina, are made using 85% of the grapes of the corresponding vine, together with those of similar vines.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The Rosso (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 11% vol. ) has an intense ruby red hue and, as it ages, tends towards orange; it has a fine, characteristic and intense aroma and a dry, harmonious and typical flavour. The Rosé (11% vol. ) is pink in colour, with a delicate aroma enhanced by a characteristic fragrance and a dry, harmonious flavour. The White (11% vol. ) is straw-coloured, has a fine and intense aroma and is dry and harmonious on the palate. Nebbiolo (11. 5% vol. ) is garnet red and tends towards orange as it ages; it has an intense, characteristic aroma and a dry, full-bodied flavour. Croatina (11% vol. ) has a red colour, an intense aroma and a dry, balanced, full-bodied flavour. Finally, Vespolina (11% vol. ) is a deep red wine, with an intense aroma and a dry, harmonious and sometimes lively flavour.

Grape production area

The production area includes a limited number of municipalities, all located in the province of Biella. The area is part of the Sesia river basin.

Specificity and historical notes

Already Pliny the Elder mentioned the vine of the Sesia area, praising its characteristics and diffusion. A sign that viticulture in this area is an ancient and traditional practice. The most important development, however, came in the eighteenth century, with a remarkable agricultural renewal.