Sizzano DOC

Sizzano DOC was established in 1969, placing it among the very first wave of Piedmontese DOCs. The broader Alto Piemonte region once supported over 40,000 hectares of vines in the late 1800s, a scale that is almost unimaginable given today's reality. Phylloxera devastated the vineyards, and the damage was compounded by a post-World War II population exodus to cities and the rise of the local textile industry. The combination reduced viticulture in the area to a fraction of its former self. Today, only around 5 hectares of vineyards are actively cultivated within the appellation, yielding roughly 900 cases per year.

• DOC status granted in 1969, one of the earliest in Piedmont
• Alto Piemonte once had over 40,000 hectares under vine in the 19th century
• Decline driven by phylloxera, urban migration, and growth of the textile industry
• Current production of approximately 900 cases annually makes Sizzano extremely rare

Sizzano sits in the Province of Novara, approximately 80 km northwest of Turin, within the Alto Piemonte subregion of Piedmont. The appellation is unique in that production rights belong exclusively to the commune of Sizzano, a village of just 1,452 residents. The vineyards occupy the eastern side of the Sesia Valley along a north-south moraine ridge, at elevations between 200 and 350 meters. Neighboring appellations include Fara DOC, Ghemme DOCG, and Gattinara, each with their own separate designations.

• Located 80 km northwest of Turin in the Province of Novara
• Vineyards on a north-south moraine ridge on the eastern side of the Sesia Valley
• Elevations range from 200 to 350 meters above sea level
• Bordered by Ghemme DOCG and Gattinara, both notable Nebbiolo appellations

Sizzano is classified as a cool viticultural area, with hot summers balanced by chilly winters and significant diurnal temperature variation driven by Alpine air at night. South-facing slopes maximize sun exposure across the long growing season. Soils vary by aspect: the western slopes carry deeper clay, while the eastern slopes are rockier and more free-draining. This combination of cool nights, extended ripening, and varied soils contributes to the characteristic freshness and elegance that distinguishes Sizzano from warmer Nebbiolo zones further south.

• Cool viticultural area with hot summers and chilly winters
• Large diurnal temperature swings from Alpine air promote aromatic complexity
• Western slopes: deeper clay soils; eastern slopes: rockier, looser soils
• South-facing orientation provides sufficient sun exposure through a long growing season

Sizzano DOC requires a blend anchored by Nebbiolo, known locally as Spanna, comprising 50 to 70% of the blend. Vespolina contributes 15 to 40%, and Uva Rara (also called Bonarda Novarese) may make up to 25%. The result is a dry, tannic yet elegant red with a brilliantly ruby color and garnet reflections. Aromas lean toward red fruit and violet flowers, with a refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively. The style is lighter and fruitier than Barolo or Barbaresco, a reflection of the cooler northern climate. All wines must achieve at least 12% alcohol, and a Riserva designation is available for extended-aged versions.

• Nebbiolo (Spanna) forms 50-70% of the blend, with Vespolina and Uva Rara completing it
• Style is lighter and fruitier than Barolo or Barbaresco due to the cooler Alto Piemonte climate
• Red fruit and violet flower aromatics with refreshing natural acidity
• Riserva versions are produced with aging beyond the standard 2-year barrel plus 1-year bottle requirement

The production regulations for Sizzano DOC are strict given the appellation's small scale. Yields are capped at 10 tonnes per hectare, minimum alcohol sits at 12%, and all wines must spend at least 2 years in barrel followed by a further year in bottle before release. Only the commune of Sizzano itself may produce wines under this title. Cantina Bianchi is the notable producer operating within the appellation.

• Yields restricted to a maximum of 10 tonnes per hectare
• Mandatory aging: minimum 2 years in barrel plus 1 year in bottle
• Production rights limited exclusively to the commune of Sizzano
• Cantina Bianchi is the key producer for the appellation