Carema

Carema

45°03'46" N

LATITUDE

7°41'18" E

LONGITUDE

1

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

The DOC Carema is located in the Piedmont wine region, and includes some municipalities within the provinces of Turin, Biella and Vercelli.

The climate of Carema is temperate, thanks to the proximity to the hills, the Dora Baltea and Orco rivers and several lakes. The Aosta Valley Alps help to maintain mild temperatures throughout the year. In addition, Carema has large temperature variations between day and night, helping the ripening of the grapes and allowing for a higher acidity in Carema wines.

The vineyards of the Carema DOC are located in a morainic amphitheater. This soil has a glacial origin.

The DOC Carema, nestled within the picturesque Piedmont wine region, is a hidden gem that spans multiple municipalities across the provinces of Turin, Biella, and Vercelli. Its unique geographical location blesses it with a temperate climate that contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. Carema benefits from several natural factors, including its proximity to the hills, the flowing waters of the Dora Baltea and Orco rivers, and the presence of numerous lakes. These elements work in harmony to moderate temperatures, making it an ideal environment for viticulture.

The Aosta Valley Alps, standing tall in the distance, act as silent guardians, shielding Carema from extreme weather conditions and maintaining relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. However, it is the significant temperature fluctuations between day and night that make Carema truly special. This diurnal variation creates an optimal environment for grape ripening, allowing them to develop complex flavors while retaining a refreshing acidity that characterizes Carema wines.

The vineyards of the Carema DOC are strategically positioned within a natural morainic amphitheater, boasting soil of glacial origin. This unique terroir contributes to the individuality of Carema wines. The glacial soil's composition adds depth and nuance to the grapes, enhancing their expression of the region's distinct terroir.

While Nebbiolo and Erbaluce are the primary grape varieties in Piedmont, it's worth noting that Carema primarily focuses on Nebbiolo, locally known as "Picutener." This grape thrives in the region's climatic conditions and terroir, giving rise to wines that are rich, elegant, and complex. Erbaluce, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with the nearby regions of Canavese and Caluso, where it produces crisp and refreshing white wines, offering a delightful contrast to the red wines of Carema.

Associations

114

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

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GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The Carema DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, specifically in the province of Turin. The Carema wine region is situated in the northwestern part of Piedmont, close to the border with the Valle d'Aosta region. This picturesque region, known for its stunning vineyard landscapes and exceptional winemaking traditions, is home to the Consorzio Erbaluce Carema. This consortium plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and ensuring the quality of the wines produced within the Carema DOC, ensuring that every sip reflects the unique terroir and heritage of this remarkable Italian wine region.

The Carema DOC climate is characterized by a continental influence, with significant temperature variations between seasons. The vineyards, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, experience warm summers and cold winters. Carema benefits from a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, averaging 600 to 800 millimeters. These climatic conditions create favorable conditions for the cultivation of Nebbiolo grapes, yielding elegant and expressive wines.

The Carema DOC soil is characterized by its unique mix of rocky, sandy, and mineral-rich composition. The vineyards in this Carema are planted on steep slopes, known as terraces, which are made up of decomposed granite and schist soils. These well-draining and nutrient-poor soils force the Nebbiolo vines to struggle, resulting in lower yields but concentrated and complex flavors in the grapes. The soil's ability to retain heat during the day and release it at night contributes to the distinctive elegance and finesse found in Carema's renowned Nebbiolo wines.

Discover

In the charming vineyards of the Carema DOC, nestled within the Piedmont wine region, two grape varieties, Nebbiolo and Erbaluce, take center stage. Each of these grapes brings its unique character to the wines of Carema, shaped by the region's distinct agricultural practices and climatic influences.

  1. Nebbiolo (Vitis vinifera): Nebbiolo, affectionately known as "Picutener" in the Carema region, is the true star of these vineyards. It thrives under specific agricultural and climatic conditions. Nebbiolo grapes prefer well-drained soils with a mix of limestone and clay, typical of the morainic amphitheater in Carema. These soils provide the essential nutrients for Nebbiolo to develop its robust character. The grapevine requires careful pruning and canopy management to protect the grapes from excessive sun exposure while allowing for air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The climate of Carema, with its significant diurnal temperature variations and protection from the Aosta Valley Alps, fosters the gradual ripening of Nebbiolo, resulting in wines that are rich in color and structure.
  2. Erbaluce (Vitis vinifera): In contrast to Nebbiolo, Erbaluce is more commonly associated with the nearby regions of Canavese and Caluso. However, it still plays a role in the viticultural tapestry of Piedmont. Erbaluce vines prefer well-drained, calcareous soils, which are abundant in the region. The grape thrives in a continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Careful vineyard management, including trellising and canopy management, is essential to maximize sun exposure and airflow around the grape clusters, ensuring optimal ripening conditions for Erbaluce. The resulting grapes contribute to the production of crisp and refreshing white wines, offering a delightful contrast to the renowned red wines of Carema.

In the rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes of Carema, Nebbiolo and Erbaluce are cultivated with care and precision. These grape varieties, shaped by their specific agricultural and climatic needs, embody the essence of the region's winemaking tradition, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of this picturesque corner of Piedmont.

Nestled in the heart of Piedmont's rugged landscapes, the Carema wine region unveils a captivating selection of red and white wines, both steeped in tradition and celebrated for their unique character.

At the heart of the Carema vinous glory lies the illustrious Nebbiolo grape, locally known as "Nebbiolo Picotener." The red Carema wines made from this grape exude an alluring symphony of aromas, from roses and violets to red berries and hints of earthiness. Aged to perfection, these reds embrace a graceful structure with refined tannins, offering a harmonious balance between power and elegance. With a long and enchanting finish, the Carema reds showcase the true essence of Nebbiolo, making them an irresistible choice for connoisseurs and lovers of timeless Italian classics.

While Nebbiolo reigns supreme, the whites Carema wines enchant with their delicate charm. The Erbaluce grape, a local treasure, finds its expression in the Carema DOC white wines. Displaying a pale golden hue, these whites greet the senses with a captivating bouquet of white flowers and citrus. On the palate, a lively acidity dances gracefully, accentuating flavors of green apple and delicate mineral nuances. The Carema whites offer a refreshing counterpoint to the region's renowned reds, embodying the essence of alpine finesse and making them an enchanting choice for leisurely moments and refined pairings.

In the Carema wine region, winemaking is a harmonious ode to terroir—a true reflection of the rugged terrain and the Nebbiolo grape's affinity for the land. The steep slopes, known as terraces, are characterized by decomposed granite and schist soils, forcing the vines to dig deep and embrace the harsh elements. This struggle yields wines of unique personality, showcasing the intense minerality and captivating nuances that only the Carema terroir can bestow.

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