1979 Cantina Sociale di Sizzano e Ghemme, Ghemme

Ghemme DOCG is located in Italy's north-western Piedmont region. As is the case with its neighbor Gattinara, Spanna (the local name for the Nebbiolo grape) is the backbone of Ghemme. It must account for at least 75 percent of the blend, but often is the sole variety used.

The remainder can comprise Vespolina and/or Bonarda di Novarese. The wine must be aged for 36 months, of which at least 20 months must be in barrel and a minimum of nine months in bottle.

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. The wine generally displays a ruby red color and spicy character with a slightly bitter finish.

Granted its DOCG status in 1997, Ghemme is a relatively small area. There are about 85 hectares (210 acres) 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.

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 Agamica, who grew vines there.