Location and landscape
Alba lies in the Piedmont region in the province of Cuneo at an altitude of about 172 metres. The Tanaro runs through the town and divides the hilly surrounding area into the Langhe and Roero regions. The wine landscape is characterised by marl, limestone, sand and clay soils, which sometimes occur in mixed formations.
Historical development
The documented history ranges from a Neolithic settlement to the Roman municipality of Alba Pompeia, and on to the medieval town centre with its towers. In the 19th century, the Royal Oenological School of Alba and its director, Domizio Cavazza, played a part in the historical development and definition of Barbaresco.
Grape varieties and viticulture
Dolcetto has been grown for centuries on the hills around Alba and in the Belbo valley. The marl hills on the right bank of the Tanaro are considered the historic cultivation area for this grape variety. Barbera has been documented in the area since the second half of the 17th century, while Nebbiolo is cultivated on both sides of the Tanaro.
Production areas and wine styles
The entire municipal territory belongs to the production area of the Barbera d’Alba DOC; parts of Alba lie in the production areas of the Barbaresco DOCG and the Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC. Dolcetto d’Alba DOC is a dry, fresh and fruity red wine with a ruby-violet colour and a bitter almond finish. Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC shows structure as well as fruity, floral and spicy aromas. Barbera d’Alba DOC is full-bodied, fruity and spicy, with a characteristic acidity. Barbaresco DOCG is produced from 100% Nebbiolo, is dry and structured, and matures for at least two years, of which at least nine months in wood; for the Riserva, the maturation period is four years.
