Piemonte

Langhe Monferrato Roero
The Langhe, Monferrato and Roero, which cover a vast area of southern Piedmont , have very similar backgrounds as regards their history, culture and economy. The three areas have differing environmental features, but they merge together to create a unique blend of vineyards, castles and old towns and villages of great architectural significance. The River Tanaro runs through all three, but does not divide them. Their borders are based on historical and trade factors while their lifestyles, dialects, traditions and above-all wine and food, in particular truffles, make them seem like one small country. One difference, however, lies in the building materials used: in the Langhe sandstone prevails, while the hills of the Monferrato and Roero are marked out by the buildings made of red clay bricks.

Alba and Le Langhe

Alba
Alba has a history going back thousands of years, a chronicle of the enterprise, imagination and ability of its people. The red towers still testify to the mediaeval Alba and its pride in its municipal freedoms and in the independence of its free partisan Jacobin republic.
Alba is a town, but it also means countryside, blending into one with the landscapes and features of the Langhe and Roero.
As a capital, Alba has its artists and writers, and among its famous sons are to be found emperors, experts in law and history, ministers, but also modern entrepreneurs who have shown great intuition.
The Federico Eusebio museum tells the town’s history in archaeological finds and pictures.

Autumn is festival time in Alba, when the town dresses up in the colors of the “Palio”, the donkey-race contested among the various quarters of the town, when the multitude of differing shades of vine leaves spread across the hills, and the aroma of truffles fills the air while the Dolcettos and Nebbiolos turn into must. Celebrations reach their peak with the truffle fair, when the hard work and folklore of the Langhe and Roero are put on display in this overlapping of styles, where medieval views are interspersed with eighteenth century digressions.
All through the year, though, Alba plays host to various events, and even during the spring and summer there is no lack of special attractions and festive occasions.

The Langhe
The boundaries of this area of south-east Piedmont are based on historical and trading factors. The territory is part of the province of Cuneo , and it borders on the provinces of Asti to the north and Savona to the south. A north-south cross-section would result in an altimetric profile ranging from 170 m above sea level on the banks of the Rivers Tanaro, Bormida and Belbo to the almost 900 meters of Mombarcaro. The Langhe can be divided by geological composition and altitude into two areas, with the lower Langa covered by vineyards growing grapes that are made into world-beating wines. The upper Langa is a melancholy land where a profound silence reigns over the woods and hazelnut groves that are replacing the centuries-old chestnuts. This is an area of fertile, green pastures that produce the unmistakable aromas and flavors of the d.o.c. Murazzano and Toma d’Alba cheeses. The Langa is an intricate weave of hills, landscapes and vast, changing horizons marked by the profiles of towers and castles that can also be divided up by the features that yield up Barolo, Barbaresco, Moscato, and the hazelnut, while the Dolcettos are as varied as the changes in the inflections in the local dialect from hill to hill. A free rein is given to long-standing folklore and festive traditions from spring to autumn, and the exploits and experiences of the people can be read of in the novels of its celebrated authors: Beppe Fenoglio, Cesare Pavese and Augusto Monti.

Bra and the Roero

Bra
Early Roman archaeological finds bear witness to the presence of man here in ancient times, but the first urban settlement dates back to when the inhabitants of Pollenzo began moving towards the higher plain.
During the Middle Ages and the modern age the history of Bra was similar to that of most Piedmontese towns which were not powerful enough to have their own ‘signoria’, but were at the same time too wealthy to forgo certain political ambitions. Besides the De Braidas, the town was first under the dominion of the republic of Asti and then of the House of Savoy.

Very few of Bra’s ancient monuments remain, the ‘Palazzo Traverso’ being one exception; the mix of styles in the old town center ranging from the Renaissance to baroque and nineteenth century architecture is, however, of great interest, and the attractive buildings and typical cafés in ‘Della Rocca’ square and Via Cavour offer a particularly charming setting.
Bra is dominated by a curious construction called the ‘Zizzola’, a “pleasure villa” built in the 1700s which has become the town’s symbol. The hamlet of Pollenzo is one of the best known and most highly valued archaeological sites in Piedmont .
The Savoy royal Family stayed on its large, historic estate, and the neo-Gothic square is quite exquisite.
The legend of the ‘Madonna dei Fiori’ (Our Lady of the Flowers), to whom the ‘braidesi’ - the inhabitants of Bra - have dedicated a sanctuary, is also worthy of note. Below Bra the market gardens - a source of pride to the local agricultural economy - stretch out towards Alba.

The gardening society founded as far back as 1895 is a symbol of the attachment to the land and traditions. Bra is now a lively cultural and design center.

The Roero
The Roero (the name comes from a powerful noble family which ruled over this land) lies to the left of the River Tanaro, and its boundaries are set by the Bra-Turin road as far as Sommariva Bosco and the Alba-Turin road as far as Montà.
Its main town is Canale, an important center for the peach market, but it comes strongly under the influence of either Alba or Bra.
The Roero is still a largely uncontaminated area, made-to-measure for whoever wishes to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and main roads and wants to feel close to nature. The landscape is very varied: within a radius of just a few kilometers it ranges from the wild beauty of the rocks - an erosion phenomenon - to the majestic chestnut woods and the bright red strawberry fields, as well as the vineyards that link up the high quality fruit and vegetable cultivations that stretch out like a spider’s web.
Scattered villages clinging to the hills have a castle, a tower, a church, a chapel and a group of houses which have remained “as they used to be”; signs of a past that is just waiting to be discovered.

Asti and the Monferrato

Asti
Asti is brimming with history from Roman times on.
When the settlement became a Roman ‘municipium’ called Hasta, it included what are now known as the upper and lower Monferrato.

From the XI century the town began the rise that made it the most important center in Piedmont until the XIII century.
It remained a free republic until 1313, when it passed under the rule of the Angevins, the Orléans, the Marchesi of the Monferrato, the Viscontis and finally the House of Savoy.

At the end of the 1700s Asti rebelled against the Savoys and a republic was proclaimed once more.
During the Napoleonic period it became the capital of the Tanaro administrative department, and since 1935 it has been a provincial capital. Asti is a land of wine: an economic and cultural identity that has made it world famous through the Moscato-based sparkling wine that has taken its name from this Carolingian city.

Its once largely family-run farming economy was transformed by Turin-based mechanical industry between the ‘60s and ‘70s into an industrial area. The surviving agriculture has taken on a more professional, entrepreneurial aspect, and a dogged defense of high quality wine has led to the awarding of d.o.c. status to as many as 11 wines and to the opening of prestigious enoteca and wine stores which have become a point of reference for connoisseurs and gourmets.

Signs of its glorious past can be seen in the old town center, where the medieval setting is set off by fine examples of eighteenth and nineteenth century architecture.

The ‘Palio’ horse-race is an occasion for a return to the Middle Ages, while the festival revives countryside traditions, and the ‘Douja d’Or’ celebrates the wines grown in the area around Asti .
The town is closely linked to the surrounding territory, where a succession of gentle hills ripples down to the Bormida Valley and blends into the fertile pastures of the Asti Langa.

The Monferrato
The Monferrato is one of the best-known Italian regions due to its age-old history, and its important place in the history if Italy itself is testified to by its artistic beauties, medieval castles, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance churches, baroque monuments, and the works left by artists and poets who were born in this land.

Like the Langhe, the Monferrato has no well-defined natural boundaries; it is a hilly plain which branches off the Ligurian Appennines across the Casale area to the Po Valley in a variety of geographical contours and landscapes.

The lower Monferrato feature mainly gently-sloping hillsides running alongside the hills of Turin and the flow of the River Po.
The hills of the upper Monferrato, which includes the Belbo, Bormida, Erro and Orba valleys, are steeper, with a series of parallel ridges sloping down to the plains of Alessandria .

This area’s history goes back to feudal days, and to constant conflicts between two centers of power: the Emperor and the Pope, when it was divided seemingly haphazardly in disorderly fragments under the rule of dukes and marquises, or of bishops and princes of the church.

This troubled history has, however, left monuments and castles which blend perfectly today into an attractive, inviting natural setting.

The Monferrato is also an important d.o.c. wine-making region - in particular Grignolino, Freisa, Barbera, Dolcetto, Moscato, Malvasia and Brachetto - while the gastronomy, as in  the Langhe, is worthy of comparison with French cuisine.

Acqui Terme E L` Alto Monferrato

Acqui Terme
In the heart of the Upper Monferrato, the Liguri Statielli founded Acqui Terme, on the left bank of the river Bormida which – after having joined the two branches of Spigno and Millesimo – opens on to the plain of Alessandria, among gentle curved hills.

The Borgo Pisterna – the oldest inhabited area alongside with Borgo S. Pietro and Borgo Nuovo, is the present center of the town.

The thermal area has developed on the other bank of the river, around the ancient spa and the magnificent park.
Acqui Terme is a celebrated spa resort since Roman times. The Romans already knew the therapeutic properties of its springs.

The town is a major center of this borderland between the Pianura Padana and the Mediterranean area. Its strategic position along the Via Emilia (the road to Emilia) and its sulphoureous warm thermal water pointed out the fortune of Acqui.
The first appointment, almost a rite for visitors, is the Piazza della Bollente, where there is a small marble chapel built by the architect Giovanni Cerruti; 75° C curative water gushes from its center. Also worth visiting: the Roman Aqueduct, the castle of the Paleologi family, the Romanesque Cathedral of S. Pietro and the beautiful Cathedral.
Recent works of restoration on historical buildings belonging to different ages, gave Acqui a new splendor. For a quality toast we suggest a visit to Palazzo Robellini, the Regional Enoteca of Brachetto.

Monferrato
The Upper Monferrato – split into two provinces, Asti and Alessandria – owes its name not to the geographical position but to the rather prominent hills that characterize the area.
The variety of landscapes that you can admire presents unique sceneries, where woods alternate with precious vineyards that often dominate old hamlets with austere castles. Besides Acqui Terme, we suggest a visit to Ovada – surrounded by wonderful castles – and to Gavi, - famous for its homonymous white D.O.C.G. wine. The Upper Monferrato lies where Piedmont borders Liguria . It was a land of passage and conquest. The gastronomy took advantage of that and - still today - it is rich in flavors and tastes. The local dishes got the sea breeze- above all in the aromas. “Focacce”, ”fritti di magro”, “vegetable pies” “salsa di noci and pesto” alternate with the typic al earthy dishes of the Monferrato. “Ravioli” and the classic “fritto misto” are strongly linked to the Piedmontese tradition.

Langhe Monferrato Roero
The Langhe, Monferrato and Roero, which cover a vast area of southern Piedmont , have very similar backgrounds as regards their history, culture and economy. The three areas have differing environmental features, but they merge together to create a unique blend of vineyards, castles and old towns and villages of great architectural significance. The River Tanaro runs through all three, but does not divide them. Their borders are based on historical and trade factors while their lifestyles, dialects, traditions and above-all wine and food, in particular truffles, make them seem like one small country. One difference, however, lies in the building materials used: in the Langhe sandstone prevails, while the hills of the Monferrato and Roero are marked out by the buildings made of red clay bricks.

The Castles
Every hill and village of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero is dominated by its castle or watchtower, each of which has its own story to tell of noble families, and of violent conflicts between feudal lords and vassals in a land which was often invaded and pillaged, but never conquered.

The history of the free communes and of the two republics of Asti and Alba, which fought continuously for the control of these hills, testifies eloquently to this background of independence, although the domination of the House of Savoy also left its mark on this historical fabric with many sumptuous residences.

The marvelous natural landscape of vineyards, gorges and woodlands is therefore set off by mighty examples of medieval, Renaissance, baroque and nineteenth century architecture: imposing fired brick strongholds, constructions displaying exquisite workmanship and noble villas designed by distinguished artists, forming a unique heritage featuring items of great historical and architectural significance.

The Wines
Vineyards grow just about everywhere on the hills of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero. They are a fundamental part of the landscape, the history and the customs: in other words, of the economy and survival of the people in the villages and farmsteads scattered over the territory. These vineyards yield up top quality grapes for outstanding wines.
Its powerful qualities make Barolo , a d.o.c.g. (controlled and guaranteed denomination) wine, the greatest wine in Italy and perhaps in the world, while Barbaresco , another of the few d.o.c.g. status wines in Italy , is considered exceptional for the finesse of its bouquet and flavour that match it perfectly with the great dishes of the local cuisine.
Barolo and Barbaresco are made from the grapes of the Nebbiolo vine, which has also given its name to a wine that has been celebrated since the 1600s when it was served at the court of the House of Savoy, as well as to the more recent Roero denomination.

Grignolino , the typical wine grown on the hills of the Monferrato, is a highly-prized wine with delicate features and a lasting bouquet.

Dolcetto and Barbera are two versatile wines that are grown throughout the region, particularly the latter, which is equally at home on the slopes of the Langhe, Monferrato or Roero.
Two great world-famous white wines are Gavi d.o.c.g. and Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato d.o.c.
Among the dessert wines, the docg’s Brachetto d’Asti - a refined pleasure - Moscato and Asti Spumante , which are a common denominator of both the Langhe and the Monferrato, while the Roero has its own sweet Brachetto : unique, inimitable aromas and bouquets make these the most widely-exported wines.
Pelaverga ’s inviting bouquet is making it so popular that it has now been awarded d.o.c. status.
This is the land of red wines par excellence; in the Roero, however, two attractively delicate, young white wines are enjoying a huge success: Arneis , a d.o.c. wine, and Favorita.

The Truffle
The white truffle, scientifically known as ‘tuber magnatum Pico’, is an underground fungus belonging to the ascomycetes family.

The truffle grows in symbiosis with certain trees, in particular oaks, willows, limes and poplars.

Its delicacy, intensity of aroma and color, which can be as dark as milk coffee with pale streaks, may vary depending on the plant it grows under.

Every truffle-hunter knows spots where the precious fungus can develop, and the secrecy surrounding the search - which begins by law on 15 September and ends on 31 January, although the ‘tuber magnatum Pico’ reaches its peak in terms of quality towards the end of autumn - is legendary.
The market has its own special ritual too: the truffles are shown with circumspection, and can only be purchased following direct contact between buyer and seller.

Truffles are at their best eaten fresh, and their aroma is brought out to the full by simple hot dishes such as fondue, risottos, ‘tajarin’ pasta, poached eggs. Ingenious, imaginative restaurants will recommend other fine combinations.

Depending on the season, white truffles can be kept for about 10 to 20 days.

The fresher they are, the more fragrant they will be.

Food
The cuisine of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero is so rich, despite its humble farmhouse origins, that it would be practically impossible to speak of all the local dishes. Almost all those who have opened restaurants in the hills - or even in Alba, Bra and Asti - have left farms taking mother or grandmother along with them to cook the many recipes that have been handed down over generations, not only in their basic structure but also their most intimate secrets.
Originating from the very modest economic conditions that were endured through the centuries, the area’s gastronomy has gradually become more elaborate, whilst preserving all the natural local ingredients and components.
There are also more noble and middle-class sources, but this school was subject to rural influences too. In the area trim trattorias can be found alongside smart restaurants, but they are all seeking to present good cooking matched by first-rate wines.

Cheese and Hazelnuts
Where Alta Langa starts, the vineyards gradually disappear into grazing meadows which smeli the sea breeze and the rich fragrance of the Mediterranean flora. Here, where the pastures are particularly suited for sheep and goat farming, high quality cheeses (“Murazzano” and “Tuma delle Langhe”) are produced.
They are excellent both fresh and seasoned with different but intense, palatable tastes.
On these hills the hazelnut trees produce the “Tonda Gentile delle Langhe” variety which is considered the best hazelnut of the world for its unique and unrepeatable organoleptic qualities. The delicate taste and aroma, the crisp and dry characteristics make it a delicacy for the pastry-making and chocolate industry of high quality.
The hazelnut is used for the local production of “torrone” and of the classic hazelnut cake.
Cheeses and hazelnuts are the main protagonists of buffets and tastings during important events.

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