Produttori di Carema is a distinguished producer of high-quality Nebbiolo located in Torino, in the far northwestern part of Piedmont. Established in 1960, this small cooperative consists of 71 growers in this remote region, where each grower typically owns no more than 1 hectare, with most having just ½ hectare. The D.O.C. Carema, founded in 1967, is situated on a mountainous strip of land bordering the Valle d’Aosta. The cold and windy climate here leads to slow-ripening grapes and light garnet-colored wines. The vines are planted on steep stone terraces that reflect the sun and retain the day's heat into the night. They are trained on pergola-like structures called "topie," which help protect the vines from strong winds and ensure maximum sun exposure. This extended sun exposure helps to mellow the grapes' high acidity, which would otherwise dominate the palate. The wines are made from 100% Nebbiolo, using local clones such as nebbiolo spanna, picutener (meaning “tender stem”), and pugnet (meaning “fist-like,” referring to the compact shape of the bunches). These wines must age for a minimum of 4 years, with at least two years in large oak or chestnut barrels. Carema wines are prized for their perfume and elegance, with the structure and acidity to age for decades. While they may not have the same power and density as their counterparts from Barolo to the south and east, they compensate with their unique aromatic profile, showcasing notes of tar, leather, damp leaves, and roses—characteristics that only Nebbiolo from this distinct terroir can exhibit.
