Who: Gian Luigi Orsolani and his father, Francesco
Where: San Giorgio Canavese •Turin - Piedmont - Italy
Founded: mid 1800s
Land: 15 hectares, 300 meters above sea level
Average age of the vines: 25 years average
Soil: loose, mineral-rich, soils, of Moraine origin
Training System:
Grapes: Erbaluce, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and a tiny amount of local favs like Neret
Appellation: Erbaluce di Caluso Spumante DOCG, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, Canavese DOC
Viticulture: Organic
Harvest: by hand
Annual Production:
In the Alpina foothills of Northwest Piedmont, Gian Luigi Orsolani and his father, Francesco, and his father’s father, have been the area's pride since the late 1800s; they are the 3rd and 4th generations of the families winery. The Orsolanis are just a handful of producers still working with Erbaluce; the Orsolani family name is synonymous with the local white variety that loves to rust out in the sun.
“Orsolani Winery awarded as ECOFRIENDLY
Years : 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018”
When most folks from the area packed up to Turin to work in the factories of Fiat, Granddad Orsolani’s respiratory issues were best treated in the fresh air of Canavese’s rolling hills. Soon he realized that his weakness had become his strength, purchasing the nearby vineyards that were tossed aside.
By 1910 Fiat was the largest car manufacturer in Italy, and the Orsolani’s, with their newly acquired lands, were, by default, the largest farm in the area, with a total of 15 hectares. Respect for nature is the base of the work; to minimize their territory's impact and safeguard the health of them and their customers. They use only organic fertilizers and low environmental impact treatments, according to EU rules. Works in vineyards are mainly manual with little use of tractors; in the cellar, the use of enological products is minimal, and energy is almost fully generated by a photovoltaic station (solar) with an expected yearly reduction of CO2 emissions of 20 tons.
While they are best known for their Erbaluce, also in their stunning repertoire: sparkling spumante of Erbaluce, refreshing rosé, and reds to rival the region’s best.
ABOUT THE ERBALUCE DI CALUSO / CALUSO DOCG
History: Established as a DOC in 1967; became a DOCG in 2010
Vineyard Area: 213 ha / 526 acres (2018)
Production: 6,530 hl / 72,560 cases (2018)
Principal White Grape Varieties: Erbaluce
Styles and Wine Composition: WHITE WINES, SPARKLING, DESSERT, AND SPECIALTY WINES: 100% Erbaluce
ITS THE LAW:
VINEYARD ELEVATION: Minimum 200 m (660 ft); maximum 500 m (1,640 ft)
SPUMANTE wines must undergo a second fermentation in bottles (Metodo Classico)
ALCOHOL: Bianco: min11.0% . Spumante: 11.5%. Passito: approx. 12.5% (17.0% potential)
RESIDUAL SUGAR: Maximum 12 g/l (1.2%) for Spumante; minimum 70 g/l (7.0%) for Passito
AGING: Spumante: minimum 15 months on the lees (ERD approx. January 1, V+2). Passito: minimum 36 months (ERD = November 1, V+3). Passito Riserva: minimum 48 months (ERD = November 1, V+4).
Orsolani | M.C. "Aurora"
(vintage)
Vintage Metodo Classico Erbaluce Spumante at its best; this is what dreams are made of. The first fermentation is partly in wood barrels and stainless steel tanks, while the second fermentation in the bottle occurs in the spring. Bottles are at a controlled temperature in conditioned cells. Refining on the lees until it reaches a pleasant maturity. Ripe aromas of bread crust and dried fruit tones.High-density mouthfeel with honey, hazelnut, and mineral notes.
GRAPE(S): Erbaluce
APPELLATION: Erbaluce di Caluso Spumante DOCG
Orsolani | “La Rustia”
Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG
“La Rustia” means "the roasted” in the local Piemontese dialect, the name is in reference to the sloped vineyard’s ideal location for maximum sun exposure. 100% Erbaluce, fermented in stainless steel; a complex white wine with delicate layers of peach, melon, grapefruit, and citrus rounded out with notes of essential oils, sage, lavender, and flowers. Dry and zippy; pairs well with lighter foods.
GRAPE(S): Erbaluce
M E D I A
Fresh mint and salinity, with lots of orchard fruit, some baked apple notes and a hint of beeswax. Balanced and juicy, with pretty, mineral-toned flavours. Delicious.'
-2014 Decanter3 GLASSES (Gambero Rosso) Year : 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019
Orsolani | "Acini Sparsi"
Canavese DOC
Barbera, Nebbiolo blend with 15% native varieties including Neret of Bairo. An easy-going wine that is respectful to the local traditions. good ripeness of the fruit, elegant aromas of black cherry, small red fruits such as currant, floral notes and a light memory of plum jam, austere balsamic notes but integrated in a balanced way with a noble and immediate tannin, pleasantly confused with a final sensation of sweetness.
APPELLATION: Canavese doc
GRAPE(S): Barbera, Nebbiolo, + others
Orsolani
Via Michele Chiesa, 12, 1
0090 San Giorgio Canavese TO, Italy
+39 0124 32386
[links + doc info credit: italianwinecentral.com]