Wine Denomination from Piedmont
Colline Novaresi DOC is a wine denomination of significant historical importance located in the rolling glacial hills south of Novara in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Established in 1994, the denomination covers the wine-producing hills of the Novara province, a territory that has been cultivating Nebbiolo — locally known as "Spanna" — for many centuries and has produced wines of considerable reputation long before the more famous Barolo and Barbaresco denominations to the south achieved their current renown. The Novarese hills form part of the broader Alto Piemonte (Upper Piedmont) wine zone that stretches across the glacial morainic hills of the provinces of Novara, Vercelli, Biella, and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola — a connected system of piedmont hills sharing the same geological heritage of glacial deposits and eroded pre-Alpine rocks, the same primary varieties (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Vespolina, Croatina), and a similar winemaking tradition of great antiquity. Colline Novaresi wines — particularly the Nebbiolo (Spanna) reds and the Barbera varietal — have been experiencing a significant quality revival in recent years as producers and consumers rediscover the extraordinary terroir potential of this northern Piedmont wine zone.
The Colline Novaresi DOC production zone covers the morainic hills to the south and east of Novara, in the province of Novara in Piedmont, encompassing approximately 20 communes. The principal wine-producing communes include Ghemme, Sizzano, Fara Novarese, Borgomanero, Boca, Prato Sesia, and several surrounding communities, many of which also produce wines under their own specific DOC or DOCG designations within the same geographic zone (Ghemme DOCG, Sizzano DOC, Fara DOC, Boca DOC). Vineyards are planted on the glacial moraine hills at elevations ranging from 150 to 400 meters above sea level, with the best sites on south and southeast-facing slopes with excellent drainage. The soils are predominantly sandy-porphyritic and acidic — composed of decomposed porphyry, granite, and glacial deposits — which gives the wines of this zone their characteristic lightness, elegance, and penetrating aromatic character that distinguishes them from the heavier clay-limestone soils of the Langhe Nebbiolo zones. Total registered vineyard area across the Colline Novaresi DOC is approximately 400 hectares, with a larger area of potential vineyard land that was abandoned during the 20th century depopulation of the hills and is now being gradually restored by a new generation of passionate producers.
The Colline Novaresi DOC authorizes varieties that define the traditional Alto Piemonte wine culture, centered on Nebbiolo and its traditional blending partners. Nebbiolo (locally called Spanna) is the prestige red variety, used for both the Colline Novaresi Nebbiolo/Spanna varietal and as a key component in red blends; it must comprise at least 50% of the blended Colline Novaresi Rosso and at least 85% of varietal bottlings. Barbera is the second most important red variety, widely cultivated across the zone and producing wines of characteristic cherry fruit and high acidity; it may be bottled as a varietal (minimum 85% Barbera) or used in blends. Vespolina is an indigenous variety unique to the Alto Piemonte zone, contributing aromatic spice (white pepper, violets) and color to Nebbiolo-based blends. Croatina (Bonarda) adds softness and dark fruit to blended reds. For whites, Erbaluce — the great indigenous white grape of the Canavese and Biella areas of northern Piedmont — is authorized, producing wines of notable mineral character. Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese) is also authorized as a blending variety in traditional red blends.
Viticulture in the Colline Novaresi zone reflects the Alto Piemonte tradition of working with Nebbiolo in a cooler, more granitic terroir than the limestone-dominated Langhe. The porphyritic sandy soils require different approaches than the clay soils of Barolo and Barbaresco: drainage is naturally excellent, vine vigor is lower, and the acidic mineral soils produce wines with a naturally higher acidity and lighter body than southern Piedmont Nebbiolo. Traditional vine training in Alto Piemonte includes the Guyot system for Nebbiolo in newer plantings and the local "Maggiorina" (a form of rope-trained system specific to the area) in older vineyards. Harvest for Nebbiolo/Spanna occurs in October, significantly later than most other red varieties; the cool climate and acidic soils extend the growing season, building aromatic complexity and natural acidity. Winemaking for Nebbiolo follows the traditional Alto Piemonte approach: extended maceration of 20-40 days to extract color and tannin from the thick-skinned grapes, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti) for premium wines. Some producers have adopted smaller barriques for gentler tannin integration. Barbera and Vespolina are vinified for earlier drinking with shorter maceration and minimal oak aging.
Colline Novaresi wines, particularly the Nebbiolo (Spanna) reds, display a character that is distinctly different from the more powerful, concentrated Nebbiolo wines of the Langhe. The Alto Piemonte style of Nebbiolo is characterized by greater lightness, finesse, and aromatic purity — more reminiscent in some ways of fine Burgundy than of Barolo. Color tends to be a lighter, more transparent ruby with early orange-brick tintings, reflecting the variety's naturally low anthocyanin content and the acidic granitic soils. Aromatics are intensely perfumed: rose petals, tar, cherry, raspberries, dried herbs, and mineral-granite notes create a complex, layered aromatic profile of great elegance. On the palate, Colline Novaresi Nebbiolo is medium-bodied with high natural acidity, firm but fine-grained tannins, and a long, persistently aromatic finish. The wines are excellent candidates for aging, developing extraordinary complexity over 10-20 years. Barbera shows characteristic deep ruby, dark cherry, and high-acid freshness. Vespolina contributes a unique white-pepper, violet, and spice note to blended wines that is uniquely characteristic of Alto Piemonte. Blended Rosso wines typically show greater color depth and aromatic complexity than single-variety bottlings.
The Novara hills occupy the transitional zone between the Piedmont plain and the pre-Alpine morainic hills that mark the southern edge of the former glaciers that carved the Po Valley during the last Ice Age. The glacial moraines — great curving ridges of rock and gravel deposited by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago — form the rolling hillsides on which the vineyards are planted. The porphyry-rich, acidic, sandy soils of the moraine are fundamentally different from the limestone-clay soils of the Langhe, and this geological distinction is the key to understanding the different character of Alto Piemonte Nebbiolo. The climate is continental with Alpine influences: cold winters with frequent snowfall; cool, rainy springs; warm but not hot summers tempered by altitude and proximity to the Alps; and long, cool autumns that extend the ripening season for late varieties like Nebbiolo. Lake Maggiore, lying to the northeast of the zone, provides additional climatic moderation. The Alto Piemonte wine zone as a whole includes several important denominations including Ghemme DOCG, Gattinara DOCG, Bramaterra DOC, Lessona DOC, and Boca DOC — a family of related zones united by glacial soils and Nebbiolo-based traditions. The nearby Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG of the Langhe represent the most celebrated expressions of Nebbiolo in Piedmont.
The Colline Novaresi DOC production disciplinary establishes quality parameters appropriate to the denomination's diverse wine portfolio. Maximum permitted yields are 9,000 kg per hectare for Nebbiolo/Spanna and Barbera varietal wines and 10,000 kg per hectare for blended wines. Minimum alcohol levels are 11% for white wines and 11.5% for red wines, rising to 12.5% for the Nebbiolo Superiore category. A "Superiore" designation for Nebbiolo/Spanna requires minimum 12.5% alcohol and mandatory aging of at least 24 months, including a minimum period in oak barrels. The Colline Novaresi Rosso blend must contain at least 50% Nebbiolo, with Vespolina and/or Croatina comprising up to 40% and Barbera up to 20%. Varietal wines for Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Vespolina must contain at least 85% of the named variety. All wines undergo chemical and sensory analysis before DOC certification. The denomination is promoted by local producer associations in coordination with the broader Alto Piemonte wine promotional body, which is working actively to restore and valorize the remarkable viticultural heritage of the glacial moraine hills north of Novara.