In the northern reaches of Piedmont, a remarkable and often overlooked wine territory unfolds — Alto Piemonte.
This is a land forged by geological drama: ancient Ice Age deposits, volcanic remnants from the Valsesia Supervolcano, and tectonic collisions that have sculpted a mosaic of soils unlike anywhere else in Italy. Combined with a Mediterranean climate gently moderated by the imposing Monte Rosa, Alto Piemonte offers an extraordinary terroir where elegance, minerality, and longevity define the wines.
It is within this unique environment that Cà Nova has established its identity. Nestled in the hills of Novara, the winery draws its essence from vineyards carefully selected for their optimal soils—sites where the interplay of geology and microclimate allows the noble Nebbiolo to express itself with clarity and precision.
A Story Rooted in Passion
The story of Cà Nova is one of discovery and devotion. In 1995, founders Vittorio and his son, both originally from Milan, uncovered a hidden rural oasis just kilometers from their home. What they found was more than a landscape—it was a living archive of viticultural history, where vines had been cultivated since Roman times. This encounter sparked a deep connection, transforming curiosity into a lifelong commitment to the land.
Alto Piemonte wines are inherently shaped by their soils, drawing out minerality and vibrant acidity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the San Quirico vineyard, a site that represents both heritage and revival. Once reclaimed by forest, this ancient vineyard was brought back to life through the collective effort of 14 local landowners who entrusted their plots, histories, and aspirations to the winery.
San Quirico: A Vineyard Reborn
Perched on a south-facing slope of morainic origin and watched over by the ruins of a 15th-century chapel, San Quirico is a vineyard of rare character. Its acidic soils, rich in iron, contribute to wines of remarkable structure, minerality, and aging potential. This site stands as a testament to the symbiosis between human dedication and natural conditions.
The first plantings near Cascina Cà Nova began in 1996, covering 1.5 hectares with Nebbiolo and Erbaluce. By 2000, the San Quirico vineyard in Bogogno had been fully restored, producing one of the estate’s most distinguished wines—a Nebbiolo defined by its pronounced mineral backbone and refined complexity.
Expanding Horizons in Ghemme
Cà Nova’s commitment to Alto Piemonte extended further with the planting of a 6-hectare vineyard in Romagnano Sesia in 2000. This site has been the source of their Ghemme DOCG and Ghemme DOCG Riserva wines through the 2023 harvest. Here, soils composed of porphyry basalt and alluvial materials impart depth and mineral nuance, reinforcing the distinctive identity of Nebbiolo from this northern terroir.
Tradition Meets Precision in the Cellar
Every winery reflects the philosophy of its owners, and Cà Nova is no exception. Their approach combines modern precision with respect for tradition. Fermentation takes place in insulated stainless steel tanks, ensuring control and consistency, while the aging process unfolds in large French oak barrels and barriques, allowing the wines to develop complexity and balance over time.
With an annual production of approximately 45,000 bottles, bottling occurs twice a year. The wines are then carefully stored, often for several years, before release—particularly those intended for long aging. This patient approach underscores the winery’s dedication to quality and longevity.
A Hidden Gem of Italian Wine
Cà Nova embodies the essence of Alto Piemonte: a region where history, geology, and climate converge to create wines of authenticity and character. Their Nebbiolo captures the voice of the land—mineral, elegant, and enduring—offering a compelling alternative to the more widely known expressions from southern Piedmont.
For wine enthusiasts seeking discovery beyond the familiar, Alto Piemonte and Cà Nova reveal a story of resilience, passion, and the profound influence of terroir.
0 comments