Carema DOC

Province of Turin / created 1967

Vineyard Area (2020):

Approx. 16 hectares between the limits of 300-600 metres above sea level.

Soil:

Glacial Moraine

Grapes:

85-100% Nebbiolo, up to 15% other red grapes.

Ageing:

Carema wines require 24 months with 12 in wood. 36 months for a Riserva.

This tiny appellation is one of Italy’s oldest (est. 1967) and is only made by three producers - a brilliant cooperative, Produttori di Carema, and two tiny private producers, Ferrando and Muraje Carema. It is technically part of Canavese and not Alto Piemonte, tucked away at the opening of the Valle D’Aosta in the Alps. Carema’s viticulture is based on cold terraced vineyards and a stone pergola system designed to give the vines maximum exposure to the sun. These tiny plots range between 300m and 600m above sea level and are so difficult to farm that Nebbiolo production here costs 50% more than in Barolo. Carema has about 800 inhabitants and is a region at real risk of extinction due to the exodus of youth and the disappearance of expertise with passing generations. Expect lighter, drier, finer Nebbiolo (known here as Picotener - a local biotype) with pronounced acidity and mineral length. This is Nebbiolos purest incarnation, and makes up for its lack of raw power with incredible mineral length.

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