Ghemme is located in Italy's north-western Piedmont region. Similar to many Italian wine areas, its origins stretch as far back as Roman times. The region name, also the name of the commune, goes back to the days of a Celtic tribe called the Agamicans Zuruck, who grew vines there.
Granted its DOCG status in 1997, Ghemme is a relatively small area with approximately 210 acres (85ha) of vineyards situated in the hills in the district of Ghemme and part of Romagnano Sesia in the province of Novara. Like its neighbor Gattinara, it enjoys a continental climate.
Also similar to Gattinara, Spanna (the local name for Nebbiolo) is the backbone of Ghemme: 75% of the wine must be made from this varietal and the remainder can comprise Vespolina and/or Bonarda di Novarese. It must be aged for 36 months, of which at least 20 months must be in barrel and a minimum of nine months in bottle. For the additional riserva status the wine requires 48 months maturation time, with a minimum of 24 months in oak and nine months in bottle. The alcohol level must also reach 12.5%.
This dry red wine is characterized by its rusticity and age-worthy characteristics, owing to its very prominent tannins and high acidity. Ghemme has even greater longevity than Gattinara and its more well-known cousins, Barolo and Barbaresco. This red is generally known for displaying a ruby-red color and spicy character with a slightly bitter finish.
