Calosso

About the wine

The Calosso DOC is a niche, highly localized appellation from the Piedmont region, centered on the rare Gamba Rossa grape (also known as Imperatrice dalla gamba rossa). This variety, which nearly vanished, has been preserved by local growers in the hills of the southern Asti province. The wines are characterized by a ruby red color that develops orange highlights with age, offering a delicate, fragrant profile. The DOC covers both a standard version and the 'Passarà' typology, a specialized wine made from dried grapes. The production is strictly limited to the communes of Calosso, Castagnole delle Lanze, and Costigliole d’Asti, where the clay-limestone soils and hilly terrain provide the ideal conditions for this unique varietal. With a mandatory aging period of at least 20 months for the base wine, Calosso represents a significant piece of local viticultural heritage, emphasizing traditional cultivation methods and a strong link to its specific geographic origin.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production zone is strictly limited to the hilly territories of three communes in the province of Asti: Calosso, Castagnole delle Lanze, and Costigliole d’Asti. The vineyards must be situated at an altitude between 150 and 450 meters above sea level, excluding valley floors and flat, poorly sunlit areas.