Erbaluce di Caluso: the golden wine of the Canavese
Still, sparkling or passito: a friendly introduction to the Canavese’s signature grape, its legend and how to enjoy it.
If the Canavese had a colour, it would be the gold of Erbaluce grapes in September, when the sun hits the bunches hanging from the pergolas.
A grape with a legend
Local tradition says Erbaluce was born from the tears of Albaluce, a nymph daughter of the Dawn, whose love story ended in sorrow. Where her tears fell, the first vines grew. Legends aside, Erbaluce has been grown around Caluso for centuries and today it is protected as a DOCG, Italy’s highest wine classification.
Three wines, one grape
- Still (Erbaluce di Caluso): fresh, citrusy and mineral, great with fish, vegetables and fresh cheeses.
- Sparkling (Spumante): made with the traditional method, elegant and lively — perfect for an aperitivo.
- Passito: grapes are dried for months and the wine ages for years. Amber, rich and complex, it pairs beautifully with blue cheeses and local biscuits.
Why the pergola?
Around Caluso, vines are traditionally trained on a high pergola called topia. It protects the grapes from humidity and gives the landscape its unique look — long green corridors that turn gold in autumn.
How to taste it
The best way is with the people who make it: small family wineries often welcome visitors by appointment. That’s exactly the spirit of my Erbaluce vineyard experience.
Salute!