Bramaterra is produced on the hills between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli, in Alto Piemonte. The area includes the vineyards of the municipalities of Masserano, Brusnengo, Curino, Roasio, Villa del Bosco, Sostegno and Lozzolo, north of the 142 Biellese state road, between 200 and 600 metres above sea level. Recognised by the decree of 9 April 1979, the DOC has about 34 hectares and an output of 503 hectolitres.
An old name
The name Bramaterra first appears in a parchment of 1447. According to tradition, it goes back to some serfs who, once freed, settled in the area and grew vines. Before the DOC was recognised, the local wine was also called «vino di Masserano» or «vino dei Canonici», because it was the favourite of the Vercelli curia.
The rules
Bramaterra is a blend: 50 to 80% Nebbiolo, known here as Spanna, up to 30% Croatina and up to 20% Uva Rara, locally called Bonarda Novarese, and Vespolina. Minimum alcohol is 12%. The Rosso ages for at least 22 months, 18 of them in cask, and may not be released before 1 September of the second year after the harvest. The Riserva ages for at least 34 months, 24 of them in cask.
Nebbiolo gives aromas of rose, violet and small red berries, acidity and tannin; Croatina adds colour and body, Uva Rara and Vespolina freshness and spicy notes. It is a garnet-coloured, dry red that develops hints of undergrowth, spice and liquorice over the years.
At the table
It calls for substantial mountain dishes: polenta concia, braised meat, game, mushrooms and the aged cheeses of the Biella valleys. A little further east, along the Sesia, lie the Gattinara and Ghemme DOCGs, other faces of Alto Piemonte Nebbiolo.
