It is a family affair, rooted in Alto Piemonte-  

Villa Guelpa is home to the Dinoia family. Daniele and his wife, Sonia, are pioneers in Alto Piemonte, Piedmont's northernmost subalpine region. The soils there are almost entirely free of limestone, a result of a supervolcano collapse 300 million years ago. Before starting this project, Daniele gained valuable experience at respected wineries like Isole e Olena, Poggio al Sole, and Nervi in the Gattinara area.

Daniele Dinoia founded Villa Guelpa to make wines that reflect the varied soils across his four hectares in Alto Piemonte. Each vineyard lies along the eighth meridian east—hence the shared “Longitudine 8” name for his Bianco, Rosso, and Rosato. The soils range from sand in Mottalciata to alluvial deposits in Salussola and Dorzano, and volcanic material in Bramaterra. Daniele and his sons farm organically, focusing mainly on Nebbiolo, Vespolina, and Erbaluce. Production is very limited across the range, with particularly small quantities of Sizzano—a traditional Nebbiolo and Vespolina blend—and an outstanding Lessona.

  • Their home in Lessona is set above their wine cellar, surrounded by vineyards in the Alto Piemonte. The family's passion for winemaking is clear. Their project is bold and ambitious, grounded in tradition but looking ahead. The wide range of soils and the unique differences in Nebbiolo, even between nearby vineyards, inspire their work. As Daniele says,

    “They are the expression of our land, of the place we live, of our work and choices. Our goal is to make them unmistakable, elegant, refined, and characteristic of Alto Piemonte.”

    They produce wine in a small, historic cellar at the center of the new ‘Alto Piedmonte’ Renaissance in Lessona. Young wines are aged in old concrete tanks, whereas wines from their own vineyards are aged in Slavonian oak barrels.

    A nutshell history of the area-

    Alto Piemonte’s geological story began about 300 million years ago, when Pangea was covered with large volcanoes. One near Lessona, in Valsesia, erupted with a force greater than 250 atomic bombs. The volcano eventually became extinct. Around 150 million years ago, as the Alps formed, the Valsesia supervolcano shifted, and its inner layers became visible at the surface.

    This history left Alto Piemonte with rare, acidic soils lacking limestone. These soils vary across the region, from the alluvial pebbles of Roppolo near Lake Viverone, to the siliceous sands of Mottalciata, the ancient soils of Lessona, the volcanic porphyry of Bramaterra, and the sandy alluvial soils of Sizzano. The area also enjoys mild weather, significant temperature swings between day and night, more rainfall than average, and ample sunlight due to its high latitude.

WHO: Daniele Dinoia and family

WHERE: Lessona • Piedmont, Italy (in the area known as “Alto Piemonte”)

FOUNDED:

LAND:

VARIETALS: Nebbiolo + Vespolina

APPELLATIONS: Boca DOC, Lessona DOC, Sizzano DOC, and Colline Novaresi DOC

VITICULTURE: Organic - Natural. Hand-harvested.

ANNUAL PRODUCTION:  

  • •••

    Made with 100% Erbaluce

    This wine offers juicy apricot, ripe yellow apple, and fresh pear aromas that carry through to a bright, lively palate complemented by tangy, mouthwatering acidity. A subtle, flinty mineral note lifts and brightens the clean, lingering finish.

    •••

  • •••

    APPELLATION: Alto Piedmont

    DENOMINATION: Colline Novaresi DOC

    VARIETAL: Erbaluce

    VINEYARD: 0.8 Ha, 5000 plants per Ha

    SOIL: Terraced pebble

    ALTITUDE: 300 meters

    EXPOSURE: South/Southwest

    YIELD PER HECTARE:

    TRAINING SYSTEM: Gouyot; harvested by hand in small boxes in September

    VINIFICATION/REFINEMENT: Destemming, soft crushing, and spontaneous fermentation.

    Maceration in cement tanks for 5 hours on the skins, 5 months on the lees, and subsequent aging inthe bottle.

    BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: 
    ALC BY VOL(%): 13
    LONGEVITY:3-5 years

    BAR CODE:

    •••

  • •••

    Wine Enthusiast (2020) - 92 points

    •••

Longitude 8 Bianco Spec Sheet

  • •••

    Made with 100% Nebbiolo.

    This polished, fragrant red features pretty floral aromas of rose and violet that mingle with ripe forest berries and sun‑kissed Mediterranean herbs. Juicy and savory, the fresh palate delivers succulent strawberry, bright white pepper and warm baking spice, all framed by lithe, fine‑grained tannins. Showcasing Nebbiolo's youthful, energetic side, it's crafted for early enjoyment, offering immediate, approachable pleasure.

    •••

  • •••

    APPELLATION: Alto Piedmont

    DENOMINATION: Colline Novaresi DOC

    VARIETAL: Nebbiolo

    VINEYARD: 3 Ha, 4500 plants per Ha, age of plants- 25 years

    SOIL: Terraced pebble

    ALTITUDE: 300 meters

    EXPOSURE: South/Southwest

    YIELD PER HECTARE:

    TRAINING SYSTEM: Gouyot; harvested by hand in small boxes in October

    VINIFICATION/REFINEMENT: Destemming and gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation, and 16-day maceration on the skins. All in Triplok monolithic concrete tanks.

    Aged 12 months in the same cement tanks and following refinement in a bottle.

    BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: 
    ALC BY VOL(%): 13
    LONGEVITY: 3-5 years

    BAR CODE:

    •••

  • •••

    Wine Enthusiast:

    (2020) - 92 points
    (2019) - 92 points
    (2018) - 93 points, & editor’s choice
    (2017) - 91 points

    •••

Longitudine 8 Rosso Spec Sheet

  • •••

    Made with 100% Nebbiolo.

    This polished, fragrant red features pretty floral aromas of rose and violet that mingle with ripe forest berries and sun‑kissed Mediterranean herbs. Juicy and savory, the fresh palate delivers succulent strawberry, bright white pepper and warm baking spice, all framed by lithe, fine‑grained tannins. Showcasing Nebbiolo's youthful, energetic side, it's crafted for early enjoyment, offering immediate, approachable pleasure.

    •••

  • •••

    APPELLATION: Alto Piedmont

    DENOMINATION: Boca DOC

    VARIETAL: 90% Nebbiolo – 10% Vespolina

    VINEYARD: The Villa Guelpa vineyard in Boca. 1.02 Ha, 3500 plants per hectare, age of plants- 18+ years

    SOIL: The soil consists of porphyritic gravel (volcanic origin) of a pinkish colour, rich in mineral salts, with no organic or calcareous matter.

    ALTITUDE: 350 meters

    EXPOSURE: South

    YIELD PER HECTARE:

    TRAINING SYSTEM: Gouyot; By hand in small boxes mid-October

    VINIFICATION/REFINEMENT: Destemming and gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation, and 16-day maceration on the skins. All in Triplok monolithic concrete tanks.

    Aged 31 months in the same cement tanks and following refinement in a bottle.

    BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: 
    ALC BY VOL(%): 13.5
    LONGEVITY: 10+ years

    BAR CODE:

    •••

  • •••

    Wine Enthusiast:

    (2020) 92 points
    (2019) 96 points

    •••

Boca Spec Sheet

  • •••

    70% Nebbiolo and 30% Vespolina.

    The newest red in the winery’s already stellar lineup, this gorgeous wine shows enticing aromas of rose, spice, dried hay, and wild red berries. A refined blend of 70% Nebbiolo and 30% Vespolina grown in mineral-rich volcanic soils, it's silky and absolutely delicious, delivering juicy red cherry, strawberry compote, a touch of white pepper, and crushed mint before a saline, mineral close. Elegant, polished tannins and lively, fresh acidity keep the palate beautifully balanced and lingering.

    •••

  • •••

    APPELLATION: Alto Piedmont

    DENOMINATION: Sizzano DOC

    VARIETAL: 70% Nebbiolo – 30% Vespolina

    VINEYARD: 3 Ha, 4500 plants per Ha, age of plants: 27 – 60 years old

    SOIL: Coarse, terraced pebble floods forming the plateaus with reduced sand levels and delta-type cross-stratification.

    ALTITUDE: 290 meters

    EXPOSURE: South/Southwest

    YIELD PER HECTARE:

    TRAINING SYSTEM: Gouyot; harvested by hand in small boxes in October

    VINIFICATION/REFINEMENT: Destemming and soft crushing, spontaneous fermentation, 16 days maceration on skins.

    Aged 24 months in 20 hl oak tonneaux and subsequent aging in bottle.

    BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: 
    ALC BY VOL(%): 13.5
    LONGEVITY: 10+ years

    BAR CODE:

    •••

  • •••

    Wine Enthusiast:

    (2019) 96 points
    (2018) 95 points
    (2017) 95 points
    (2016) 93 points

    •••

Lessona Spec Sheet

  • •••

    100% Nebbiolo.

    If you love your Nebbiolo elegant, focused, and energized, this is your wine. Showing impeccable breeding and class, it opens with enticing scents of wild rose, violet, perfumed berry, camphor, and star anise. The vibrant palate features juicy red cherry, crushed strawberry, licorice, and saline mineral notes, framed by an exceptionally refined tannic backbone and finishing with a subtle mocha note. It's beautifully balanced, with bright, persistent acidity.

    •••

  • •••

    APPELLATION: Alto Piedmont

    DENOMINATION: Lessona DOC

    VARIETAL: 100% Nebbiolo

    VINEYARD:0.3 Ha, 4500 plants per Ha, age of plants: 27 – 60 years old

    SOIL: Sands, gravels, sandy and kaolinic clays from alterations of Permian volcanites.

    ALTITUDE: 340 meters

    EXPOSURE: South/Southwest

    YIELD PER HECTARE:

    TRAINING SYSTEM: Gouyot; harvested by hand in small boxes in October

    VINIFICATION/REFINEMENT: Destemming and soft crushing, spontaneous fermentation, 16 days maceration on skins. Aged 24 months in Slavonian barrel followed by bottle aging.

    BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: 
    ALC BY VOL(%): 13.5
    LONGEVITY: 15+ years

    BAR CODE:

    •••

  • •••

    Wine Enthusiast:

    (2019) 98 points
    (2018) 96 points
    (2017) 95 points
    (2016) 95 points

    •••

Sizzano Spec Sheet
Villa Guelpa Presentation Sheet

  • Denomination Information

    [ scroll for more information ]

  • -- COLLINE NOVARESI DOC --

    Region: Piemonte
    History: Established as a DOC in 1994
    Vineyard Area: 246 ha / 608 acres (2021)
    Production: 7,725 hl / 85,800 cases (5-year average)
    Principal White Grape Varieties: Erbaluce
    Principal Red Grape Varieties: Barbera, Croatina, Nebbiolo, Uva Rara, Vespolina

    WHITE WINES: Bianco (Wh): 100% Erbaluce
    ROSATO WINES: Rosato (Ro): Minimum 50% Nebbiolo + OANRG

    RED WINES:
    Rosso: Minimum 50% Nebbiolo + OANRG; Barbera- minimum 85% Barbera + OANG; Croatina- minimum 85% Croatina + OANG
    Nebbiolo: Minimum 85% Nebbiolo + OANG
    Uva Rara: Minimum 85% Uva Rara + OANG
    Vespolina : Minimum 85% Vespolina + OANG

    Significant Production Rules

    Vineyard Elevation: Minimum 180 m (590 ft); maximum 550 m (1,805 ft)
    Minimum Alcohol Level:11.0%; 11.5% for red varietals if a vineyard is named
    Aging: No minimums specified

  • -- SIZZANO DOC --

    Region: Piemonte

    History: DOC Established in 1969 Vineyard Area: 5 ha / 12 acres (2021)
    Production: 170 hl / 1,870 cases (2022)
    Principal Red Grape Varieties: Nebbiolo, Uva Rara, Vespolina

    - RED WINES -
    Rosso (Rd): 50–70% Nebbiolo (locally Spanna), 30–50% Uva Rara (locally Bonarda Novarese) and/or Vespolina; maximum 10% OANRG

    SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION RULES:

    Vineyard Elevation: Minimum 200 m (660 ft); maximum 350 m (1,150 ft)
    Minimum alcohol level: 12.0%
    Aging: For Rosso, minimum 22 months, including 16 months in barrel; for Riserva, minimum 34 months, including 24 months in barrel

    ( OANRG = Other Authorized Non-aromatic Red Grapes )

  • - - BOCA DOC --

    Region: Piemonte
    History: Established as a DOC in 1969
    Vineyard Area: 17 ha / 42 acres (2021)
    Production: 360 hl / 4,000 cases (5-year average)
    Principal Red Grape Varieties: Nebbiolo

    - RED WINES -

    •Rosso (Rd): 70–90% Nebbiolo ; 10–30% Uva Rara and/or Vespolina
    •Riserva (Rosso)

    Significant Production Rules

    Vineyard Elevation: Minimum 300 m (985 ft); maximum550 m (1,805 ft)
    Minimum Alcohol Level: 12.0% for Rosso and Riserva, except 12.5% for Riserva with a vineyard name
    Aging:For Rosso, minimum 34 months, including 18 months in barrel ; for Riserva, minimum 46 months, including 24 months in barrel.

  • -- LESSONA DOC --

    Region: Piemonte
    History: Established as a DOC in 1976
    Vineyard Area: 21 ha / 52 acres (2021)
    Production: 300 hl / 3,360 cases (5-year average)
    Principal Red Grape Varieties: Nebbiolo

    - RED WINES -

    •Rosso (Rd): Minimum 85% Nebbiolo (locally Spanna); maximum 15% Uva Rara and/or Vespolina
    •Riserva (Rosso)

    SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION RULES:

    Vineyard Elevation: Minimum 200 m (660 ft); maximum 500 m (1,640 ft)
    Minimum Alcohol Level: 12.0%
    Aging: For Rosso, minimum 22 months, including 12 months in barrel; for Riserva, minimum 46 months, including 30 months in barrel.

 

VILLA GUELPA
52 Via Francesco Cesone, Lessona, Piemonte, 13853 Italy +39 333 434 8405

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