Popular Destinations in Italy
Discovering the Langhe
The Langhe area, a microcosm of biodiversity, culture and flavours
In north-western Italy, between the Alps and the Po River, hidden among the gentle hills of Piedmont, lies the region of Langhe.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is renowned for its patchwork of vineyards, forests, pastures, perched medieval villages, and castles. A microcosm of biodiversity, culture, and flavors where tradition and innovation blend in a unique way, symbolizing how nature and humans can collaborate harmoniously to create a distinctive environment.
A delicate harmony
Landscapes sculpted by time
The hills of the Langhe rise and fall gently, creating a continuous movement, a landscape shaped over the centuries by erosion and the hand of man. The morning mist, which often blankets the valleys, gives the hills a suspended and mystical atmosphere.
Viticulture is the oldest activity in the area, and today the vineyards dominate the hills, creating a colorful mosaic of perfectly aligned rows.
The calcareous-clay soil and temperate climate offer ideal conditions for the cultivation of native grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Arneis. The wines derived from these grapes, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, are appreciated worldwide.
Amidst the sea of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, in a harmony of colors that change with the seasons, the Langhe preserve areas of wild nature, such as oak, chestnut, and hazelnut woods, which are home to a rich and diverse fauna. Here, in the undergrowth, the precious white truffle of Alba grows in symbiosis with the roots of the trees, protected by a delicate ecosystem that requires care and respect.
Visitors who venture into these lands connect with the rhythm of nature. Each season offers different colors and scents: in spring, the vineyards burst into green, while cherry and almond trees bloom; in summer, the hills turn golden; autumn is perhaps the most enchanting time, when the vineyard leaves light up in red and orange, and the air is filled with the aroma of the harvest and truffle gathering. Winter, on the other hand, provides an intimate atmosphere, with frost-covered hills and villages illuminated by night lights.
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villages of Italy
The places of the Langhe
Life in the villages of the Langhe follows a slow rhythm, marked by traditions. The taverns and wineries are the beating heart of the community, where the art of Piedmontese cuisine is celebrated. Simple and rustic dishes, such as tajarin, braised meat in Barolo wine, and bagna cauda, tell the story of a land connected to its products and flavors.
Alba
Alba is an elegant and lively town, dominated by medieval towers. It is famous worldwide for the International White Truffle Fair, which takes place every autumn and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. During this event, the city transforms into a stage of intense flavors and scents, where white truffle is celebrated in all its aspects.
Alba is also the production center of some of the finest wines of the Langhe region. Here, the historic cellars and vineyards surrounding the city offer unmissable tastings of Nebbiolo, the principal grape of Piedmont, from which Barolo and Barbaresco originate.
Barolo
A few kilometers from Alba is the picturesque village of Barolo, the beating heart of the Langhe wine region, universally known for giving its name to the famous Barolo wine. Here, ancient winemaking traditions blend with modernity, thanks to renowned wineries producing wines appreciated worldwide.
Barolo is also home to WiMu, the Wine Museum, housed in the local castle. This innovative museum tells the story and culture of wine, offering visitors an interactive experience to discover the world of winemaking.
La Morra
Famous for its breathtaking views, La Morra offers a spectacular panorama of the vine-covered hills. From here, on clear days, you can see the majestic profile of the Alps. This medieval village is a reference point for Barolo lovers.
Every corner of La Morra speaks of wine, with numerous wine bars and wineries offering tastings of the best vintages. The Chapel of Barolo, a small colorful chapel immersed among the vineyards, is a unique symbol of the link between art and winemaking.
Monforte
Descending along the hills, we reach Monforte d’Alba, a village that harmoniously blends art, history, and nature. The historic center, with its winding alleys and unexpectedly spacious squares, is a gem to discover step by step. The outdoor Horszowski Theater, located in a natural amphitheater among the village houses, hosts concerts and shows against a truly picturesque backdrop.
Monforte is also renowned for its vineyards and the production of Barolo, with numerous wineries offering tasting experiences focused on quality and tradition.
Neive
Celebrated as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Neive is an authentic medieval jewel, perched on the hills and surrounded by endless vineyards. The stone houses, ancient churches, and medieval towers tell the long history of this village, which has maintained its rustic charm intact.
Neive is also famous for the production of Barbaresco, one of the great red wines of the Langhe region. Here, wine tasting is an almost sacred ritual, to be experienced among historic cellars and gourmet shops that also offer local delicacies.
Grinzane Cavour
One cannot talk about the Langhe without mentioning the Grinzane Cavour Castle. The castle, overlooking the surrounding vineyards, was the residence of Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, one of the protagonists of the Italian Risorgimento and a great wine enthusiast. Today, it houses the Piedmont Regional Wine Shop and the Ethnographic Museum, where visitors can delve into the history of the area and its rural traditions.
Every year, the castle hosts the World White Truffle Auction, an internationally renowned event that attracts chefs and connoisseurs from around the world.
winemaking excellence
The kingdom of wine
If the Langhe region is famous worldwide, much of the credit goes to its prestigious wines. The most renowned are undoubtedly Barolo, defined as the “king of wines” and “the wine of kings,” and Barbaresco, two reds produced from the indigenous Nebbiolo grape, embodying the wine excellence of the region. These wines require years of aging and a perfect balance between climate, soil, and human touch.
The winemaking process in Langhe is as traditional as it is innovative. Many historic wineries still rely on ancient methods, like aging in oak barrels, while also incorporating modern technologies to ensure maximum quality.
Visiting a winery in Langhe is an experience that engages all the senses: the intense aromas of the must, the muffled sound of resting wine, the complex and enveloping taste of great reds.
The White Truffle
The Gold of the Langhe
If there is a product that truly represents the soul of the Langhe region, it is white truffle. Considered one of the most precious treasures of world gastronomy, Alba white truffle is an underground fungus with a unique aroma and high value. The search for truffles, an activity passed down from generation to generation, is an art that requires sensitivity and knowledge of the terrain.
Truffle hunters and their faithful dogs explore the woods on humid nights, in search of this exquisite fungus.
A Triumph of Flavors
The cuisine of the Langhe
The Langhe hills are a true paradise for food lovers, thanks to a cuisine rich in traditions and authentic flavors.
The ingredients, simple and genuine, are the undisputed stars: white truffle from Alba, Tonda Gentile hazelnuts from the Langhe, Fassona beef, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto wines.
Among the typical starters of the Langhe, carne cruda all’Albese stands out, a delicate finely chopped Fassona beef, a Piedmontese cattle breed. Similar to tartare, it is prepared with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and Parmesan cheese shavings, and can be enriched with thin slices of white truffle.
Bagna cauda, a dip made with garlic, anchovies, and extra virgin olive oil, is a timeless classic. The anchovies in green sauce are also not to be missed.
Fresh pasta is a fundamental component of the Langhe culinary tradition. Tajarin, made with a dough of flour and eggs, are typically served with hearty sauces, such as Bra sausage or wild boar ragù, or simply dressed with butter and truffle shavings. Another must-try pasta is agnolotti del plin, small ravioli filled with veal or pork, often served with butter and sage or in a warm broth.
Among the main courses, brasato al Barolo is a standout. Beef is slowly cooked in wine, along with spices, herbs, and vegetables. The result is tender, succulent meat, infused with the complex notes of Barolo, accompanied by a rich and aromatic cooking sauce. This dish perfectly exemplifies how Langhe cuisine enhances local products, blending wine and meat into a harmonious combination.
The pastures of the Langhe hills are ideal for cheese production, which plays an important role in the local gastronomy. Robiola di Roccaverano, a soft cheese made from goat’s milk, is among the most famous. Its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor make it perfect to enjoy fresh, perhaps accompanied by acacia honey or fig jam. Another typical cheese is Tuma di Langa, a small caciotta made from cow and sheep milk, which captures the aromas of the wild herbs from the Langhe pastures.
Langhe cuisine is enriched by a confectionery tradition that celebrates the Tonda Gentile hazelnut, grown on the hills of the region and considered one of the best in the world for its sweetness and texture. Hazelnut cake is a simple but irresistible dessert, often served with zabaione cream and a glass of Moscato d’Asti, a sweet and aromatic wine from the area. Another iconic dessert is bonet, a pudding made with cocoa, amaretti, and caramel, which elegantly concludes Langhe meals.
A Heritage to Protect
The Langhe, a vibrant area where peasant culture is still the cornerstone of society. However, this delicate balance between humans and nature is threatened by climate change and the intensification of human activities.
The increasingly hotter summers and irregular rains are challenging the vineyards, while the growing demand for agricultural products is leading to intensive production that risks depleting the land.
In recent years, many farms and local associations have started promoting more sustainable practices, aiming to preserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
The challenge for the Langhe will be to continue growing as a destination of excellence, without sacrificing their authenticity and natural heritage.
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