Ghemme DOCG is a red wine only DOCG (upgraded from DOC in 1997) from around Ghemme town in Novara province in northern Piemonte in north-west Italy. The wine is made from 85-100% Nebbiolo (called Spanna locally) and an optional 0-15% Bonarda, Uva Rara and Vespolina.

Terroir: The cool conditions mean growers can be tempted to pick Nebbiolo too early.

Wineries

No certification: Ioppa.

.’ ‘Other Novara DOCs are Boca to the north and the rather lighter Sizzano and Fara to the south.’

‘Its promotion to DOCG in 1997 was intended to rescue its minuscule vineyard surface, less than 60 ha today.’

‘Like Gattinara across the River Seisa in the Vercelli Hills with its satellites Lessona and Bramaterra, Ghemme is made from the Nebbiolo grape (with a mandatory minimum of 85%) while the addition of Bonarda, Uva Rara,  and/or Vespolina.’

Historic  town centre

Ghemme itself is a town of ancient tradition. At its center is the “Ricetto” a walled compound that served as a refuge for people of the area during times of strife and war. This citadel of 12000 square meters was first mentioned in documents dating to the 10th century. Eventually, this brick-built structure evolved into a communal storehouse for the agricultural products native to the area with most of the surface being dedicated to wine.