Balbiano
BACKGROUND
The history of Balbiano has it roots in 1941 when its founder, Melchiorre Balbiano, decided to dedicate his life and work to the cause of the Freisa grape. The Podestà of Andezeno granted Melchiorre the permission for the wholesale of wines and grapes.
Melchiorre, before deciding to make wine, was a very busy manager of some farms in Andezeno: corn, wheat, meliga, cattle and farmyard animals were his daily activity, even if what fascinated him most had always been the grape.
For over eighty years, the love of the wines of Turin’s hills has been handed down from father to son. A dynasty devoted to the continuous pursuit of quality, to the defense of traditions, and the promotion of the fruits of this unique territory.
The link with these lands brought Franco and Luca Balbiano to courageously accept the challenge of replanting the royal vineyard of Villa della Regina in Turin, abandoned after WWII, as well as the royal residence that hosts it. The rebirth of this 17th century jewel has allowed the Balbiano family to produce aunique wine from one of the very few urban vineyards in the world.
The VINEYARDS
The long recovery activity of the Villa della Regina in Turin, directed by the superintendent for Artistic and Cultural Heritage of Piedmont, culminated in 2005 with the replanting of the ancient Royal Vineyard. Entrusted in concession to the Balbiano family since the start, the first wine was born from the vineyards in 2009. Two years later, a huge milestone was achieved when the DOC appellation was awarded.
The Vigna della Regina vineyard today has an extension of almost one hectare and produces roughly 4,000 bottles per year. Thanks to the work of Cantine Balbiano, Turin is now one of the very few cities in the world that can boast an historical vineyard within its walls.
THE CELLAR
Balbiano Winery have their headquarters in Andezeno, inside the 18th century country house, property of the family for many generations. A long and careful renovation has made these spaces a welcoming place, where traditions meet the functionality of a modern cellar.
THE WINE
FREISA di chieri DOC
Aromas of red fruits, dry flavor characterized by light effervescence ands of tannins.
Production zone: Piedmont
Vineyard: The vineyards extend from the hills south of Turin, ranging from Chieri to Asti, to the Casalese of Alessandria and in small areas of the Langa Cuneo, in the Tortonese, in the Pinerolese, Canavese and in the Colli Novaresi. The wines are regulated by the Freisa di Chieri DOC regulations.
Grape variety: 100% Freisa
Vinification: Stainless steel tanks
Abv: 12.5%