Insider: Carema
Extension: 42 acres
The terraces of Carema are supported by dry stone walls filled with fertile morainal soil. Truncated cone-shaped pillars, known as “pilun”, support vine trellises. These rock structures store solar heat during the day and release it at night, balancing temperature shifts.
The local dialect calls these vine pergolas “topia” or “tupiun”, while the supporting pillars are known as “pilun” — sometimes described as “Bacchus’s Temples” by Renato Ratti.
Carema wine is produced exclusively within the town of Carema, covering 13,000 hectares and recognized as DOC since 1967.
Production: 50,000 bottles
In 2013, the Carema DOC cellar was refurbished, replacing aged barrels with new Slavonian oak ones, now storing up to 1,000 hectoliters.
Through its flagship wine, the Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema promotes the unique winemaking culture rooted in its terraced vineyards and historic pergolas.
Structure: Cooperative Winery
The Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema was founded in 1960 by 10 local growers. By 2015, it had grown to 101 members — 71 of whom actively produce grapes, mostly part-time with an average age of 55.
