Valcamonica

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The zone from Cevo to Breno covers 59.41 hectares with calcareous soils on the alluvial fan of the Concarena and fresh, loose soils of glacial origin in the remaining areas, with a marked diurnal temperature range.
• The Val Grigna zone extends over 56.00 hectares, is warmer than the northern zone, with plots of gentler aspect and largely suited to mechanisation, on soils of glacial origin with parent rock of sandstones, conglomerates, limestones, dolomites, and micaschists.
• The Lanzato zone, the southernmost in the Valcamonica area, extends over 26.80 hectares with terraced vineyards unsuited to mechanisation and heterogeneous soils, generally loose with variable limestone content depending on the parent material.
• In the southernmost part of the area, between Piancamuno and Darfo, the proximity of Lake Iseo moderates the climate, making it slightly more stable than the rest of the zone, with cool breezes in summer and warmer breezes in winter that contribute to this stability.
• In the zone between Darfo and Breno the climate is slightly warmer due to the absence of Lake Iseo breezes, and hail-bearing weather events occur more frequently.

• Eleventh-century documents attest to vineyards in Valcamonica belonging to the estate of S. Pietro in Monte, with localities such as Artogne, Lozio, and Berzo recorded in June 1041 and Pisogne in September 1045.
• In 1567 a severe vine-mortality crisis struck exclusively the Valcamonica territory without affecting the neighbouring valleys, while in 1705 a European climatic downturn wiped out the vineyards north of Edolo and at higher elevations.

• The white wines are fresher and more mineral in character, with a pronounced acidity that lends them longevity, accompanied by a distinctive, intense, slightly aromatic and fruity bouquet.
• The red wines are lighter and fresh, generally supported by good acidity, moderate in alcohol, and approachable in style, with a consistently bright colour that holds well over time.

• The rocky, and at times calcareous, soils and the distinctive character of the mountain climate impart to all five wine types qualities that are entirely their own.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-IT-A1317
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Vini IGT Valle Camonica