The slopes of the lower Valsesia hills are home to the production of four DOC wines (Boca, Bramaterra, Colline Novaresi, and Colline della Sesia) and, above all, Gattinara, a DOCG red of international renown.

Nebbiolo is the signature red grape variety of this part of Piedmont, producing grapes of extraordinary quality, especially renowned for their balance and complexity, making them ideal for aging.

Known since the 1200s, the name is thought to derive from “nebbia” (fog), although it’s unclear whether it refers to the berry’s appearance or the late harvest, which often takes place during autumn mists. In this area, Nebbiolo is also known as Spanna and defines all red wine production.

The DOCG Gattinara is undoubtedly the region’s most famous wine, made exclusively from Nebbiolo (Spanna) grapes, sometimes with up to 10% Vespolina and Uva Rara combined. Gattinara requires a minimum aging period of 35 months, including 22 months in wooden barrels, while Gattinara Riserva must age at least 47 months, 36 of which are in wood. Produced only in the Gattinara area, it has a garnet red color and a dry, harmonious flavor with a characteristic slightly bitter finish.

Among the DOCs, Boca and Bramaterra are both reds aged for about two years, while the regulations for Colline Novaresi and Coste della Sesia offer numerous variations, including aged reds, young reds, rosés, and whites.