When most folks from the area packed up to Turin to work in Fiat factories, 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 their customers. According to EU rules, they use only organic fertilizers and low environmental impact treatments. 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 entirely 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.

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

VARIETALS:  
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:

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
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 25 years average
SOIL: Loose, mineral-rich soils, of Moraine origin

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, is 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, it pairs well with lighter foods.

GRAPE(S): Erbaluce
APPELLATION: Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 25 years average
SOIL: Loose, mineral-rich soils, of Moraine origin

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 Decanter

3 GLASSES (Gambero Rosso) Year : 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

Orsolani | "Acini Sparsi"

Canavese DOC

Barbera and Nebbiolo blend with 15% native varieties, including Neret of Bairo. This easy-going wine is respectful of local traditions. The fruit is ripe, and there are elegant aromas of black cherry and small red fruits such as currant, floral notes, and a light memory of plum jam. Austere balsamic notes are balanced with noble and immediate tannin but are pleasantly confused with a final sensation of sweet fruits.

GRAPE(S): Barbera, Nebbiolo, + others
APPELLATION: Canavese doc
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 25 years average
SOIL: Loose, mineral-rich soils of Moraine origin

HEY, WE HAVE A FEW SHELF TALKERS FOR YOU HERE !

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

Via Michele Chiesa, 12, 1

0090 San Giorgio Canavese TO, Italy

+39 0124 32386

www.orsolani.com

[links + doc info credit: italianwinecentral.com]