Local Excellence Recognized: Vigliano Biellese Wines Shone at the ‘Città del Vino’ International competition for Nebbiolo.
VIGLIANO BIELLESE – In the heart of Piedmont, Italy, the town of Vigliano Biellese has been steadily making its name in the world of wine. Housing three stunning historic residences – Villa Era, Castello di Montecavallo, and La Malpenga, the town boasts a wine culture that echoes the refined tradition of French châteaus.
“The promise of Vigliano Biellese is more visible now than ever. Our previous victories, including the gold for Villa Era 2016 and an award for Rosato 2021, have garnered attention from global importers,” says Silvia Rivetti from Villa Era. She, along with others in the town, is filled with immense pride at the potential of being recognized as the ‘European City of Wine’ in 2024.
And the town is not just about promises. Recent accolades at the 21st International Wine Competition ‘Città del Vino 2023’ have put Vigliano Biellese firmly on the global wine map. Villa Era’s Coste della Sesia Spanna Doc ‘Rondò’ 2020 and Castello di Montecavallo’s Coste della Sesia Nebbiolo Doc ‘Aralcader’ 2019 both struck gold at the competition. The latter also added a silver medal to its collection with Rosato Coste della Sesia Doc ‘Indero’ 2022.
These awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the local wine producers. Mayor Cristina Vazzoler sees these recognitions as a means to “not only promote the land but also place Vigliano Biellese as a potential destination for wine tourism.” The Mayor further expresses optimism about the future releases from the local Malpenga winery.
The celebration in Vigliano Biellese aligns with a significant announcement made by Angelo Radica, the president of the ‘Città del Vino (City of Wine)’. The Alto Piemonte – Gran Monferrato region, which includes Vigliano, has been shortlisted as a candidate for the ‘European City of Wine’ title for 2024.
“It’s not just about Vigliano. The nomination considers a larger region spanning across northern and southern Piedmont, with 20 municipalities coming together to earn the ‘European Wine Territory’ recognition in 2024,” explains Radica. The winning region will be decided by the Recevin Council, a European network of wine cities, and announced at the European Parliament in July.
Encouraging immersive experiences, Vigliano Biellese also offers insightful winery tours and visits to historic homes. “We are committed to showcasing the charm of our town and draw global attention,” says Martina Incisa della Rocchetta from Castello di Montecavallo.
Andrea Manfrinati, who manages Villa Era’s vineyards and winery, further adds, “Vigliano Biellese, with its unique setting of beautiful historic homes, aims to invite both Italian and international tourists to experience our vibrant wine culture firsthand.”
As Vigliano Biellese continues to push its boundaries, it’s clear that this little town harbors a big dream – a dream deeply rooted in a rich tradition dating back to the 1800s and even before the 19th century, as well as a vision to showcase its unique wine culture to the world.
