Erbaluce, the steadfast love of the family.   

When most folks from the area packed up to Turin to work in Fiat factories, Granddad Orsolani’s respiratory issues were best treated in the fresh air of the Canavese rolling hills. Soon, he realized that his weakness had become his strength, purchasing the nearby vineyards that were tossed aside.

By 1910, Fiat was the largest car manufacturer in Italy, and the Orsolani’s, with their newly acquired lands, were, by default, the largest farm in the area, with a total of 15 hectares. Respect for nature has been the foundation of their work from the outset. According to EU rules, they use only organic fertilizers and treatments with a low environmental impact.

Work in vineyards is mainly manual, with little use of tractors. In the cellar, the use of enological products is minimal, and energy is almost entirely generated by a photovoltaic station (solar), with an expected yearly reduction in CO2 emissions of 20 tons. While they are best known for their Erbaluce, they also have a stunning repertoire: sparkling spumante of Erbaluce, refreshing rosé, and reds to rival the region’s best.

Orsolani Winery was awarded as
"ECO-FRIENDLY"
Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018.

WHO: Gian Luigi Orsolani and his father, Francesco

WHERE: San Giorgio Canavese •Turin - Piedmont - Italy

FOUNDED: Mid 1800s

LAND: 15 hectares, 300 meters above sea level

VARIETALS: Erbaluce, Nebbiolo, and Barbera

APPELLATION: Erbaluce di Caluso Spumante DOCG, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, Canavese DOC

VITICULTURE: Organic, hand-harvested

ANNUAL PRODUCTION:

sustainable farming
  • ITALIAN WINE LAWS

    [ scroll through for more info ]

  • ERBALUCE DI CALUSO DOCG

    History: Established as a DOC in 1967; became a DOCG in 2010
    Vineyard Area: 213 ha / 526 acres (2018
    Production: 6,530 hl / 72,560 cases (2018)
    Principal White Grape Varieties: Erbaluce
    Styles and Wine Composition: WHITE WINES, SPARKLING, DESSERT, AND SPECIALTY WINES: 100% Erbaluce

  • IT'S THE LAW:

    VINEYARD ELEVATION: Minimum 200 m (660 ft); maximum 500 m (1,640 ft
    SPUMANTE wines must undergo a second fermentation in bottles (Metodo Classico)
    ALCOHOL: Bianco: min11.0% . Spumante: 11.5%. Passito: approx. 12.5% (17.0% potential
    RESIDUAL SUGAR: Maximum 12 g/l (1.2%) for Spumante; minimum 70 g/l (7.0%) for Passito
    AGING: Spumante: minimum 15 months on the lees (ERD approx. January 1, V+2).
    Passito: minimum 36 months (ERD = November 1, V+3).
    Passito Riserva: minimum 48 months (ERD = November 1, V+4).

 

ORSOLANI

Via Michele Chiesa, 12, 10090 San Giorgio Canavese TO, Italy
+39 0124 32386
www.orsolani.com

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