The Historic Coppo winery of Piedmont and their UNESCO underground wine cellars

It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve featured the wines of Coppo when I shared their 2013 Coppo La Rocca Gavi.  Wow!  That makes me sound old in the world of blogging.  When fellow wine writer, Jeff of Food Wine Click, presented the opportunity to taste some of the wines of Coppo again I was happy to jump on board.  I had the chance to try two Coppo wines I had yet to try their Monteriolo Chardonnay and Pomorolo Barbera.  Let’s chat a little about the winery first. 

The beginnings of Cantina Coppo 

The Coppo winery was initially established in 1892 and is considered one of the oldest wineries.  This is due to its recognition in 2012 by Unioncamere by as being a business that has had uninterrupted activity in the same sector for over 120 years.   

Coppo vineyards by Coppo winery

Piero Coppo was the original founder who had a passion for the wine industry and with his keen attention to detail he managed all stages of the winemaking process from beginning to end.  He married his wife, Clelia Pennone, whose family was a known wine producer, Pio Pennone, that had been producing and exporting wine for over 2 generations.  Piero’s mission was “to produce wines to express the local environment specificity” with “a constant commitment to uncompromising quality”.  Piero’s winery grew to about 128 acres with vineyards in Canelli, Gavi, Agliano Terme, Castelnuovo Calcea and the Langhe.  The focus was on grapes to include Barbera, Chardonnay, Moscato, Gavi and Nebbiolo. 

Canelli, the birthplace of Italian sparkling wine 

Upon Piero’s marriage Clelia, he joined Pio Pennone on their premises in Canelli where the company is still headquartered today.  Canelli is considered the birthplace of Italian sparkling wine.  In the late 19th century, Canelli was the location of the first Italian sparkling wine that was bottle fermented.  This is credited to Carlo Gancia, a pioneer that used Moscato grapes to produce these sparkling wines via the Champagne method.  He produced these wines in the underground cellars, or underground cathedrals, that are today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The UNESCO recognized underground cellars of Coppo 

The tunnels that run underneath Canelli were originally excavated in the late 18th century.  They were dug out in the tufa by hand.  These tunnels, or underground cathedrals as they call them, were used for making and aging wine.   

Coppo underground cellars by Noemi Mengo

They run for a total of 16,400 feet and 130 feet deep and provide a consistent humidity and temperature level.  In 2014 they were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can visit these tunnels today in Canelli.

Coppo underground cellars by Noemi Mengo

Coppo wines 

The 2022 Coppo Chardonnay Monteriolo Piemonte DOC has been produced since for 40 years since 1983.  It is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes.  These grapes are grown on marly, chalky soil at vineyards that sit about 2,100 feet above sea level.  The grapes macerate for 14 days and are aged for 8 months in French oak barriques are 50% new and 50% used barrels.   

This wine was straw colored with some goldish hues.  A slight toast with a touch of vanilla on the nose.  Medium in body with fresh acidity and ripe tropical fruit with a creaminess on the palate.  SRP $59 

I wasn't planning on doing any pairings this week since we are in our final week of the football season with my boys so to say I've had little time is an understatement.  I did make a chicken, broccoli and pasta dish that did end up pairing well together with this Chardonnay.  Secretly I prepared it in my instant pot as well.  This has become my best friend being short on time, but still wanting to eat a good meal.
 

The 2021 Coppo Pomorosso Nizza DOCG is Coppo’s leading Barbera that helped Coppo get worldwide recognition for it’s quality.  They have producting this wine, made from 100% Barbera, since 1984.  It wasn’t until 2014 when the Nizza DOCG was granted approval that it fell under this new designation.  Nizza is a small sub region within Monferrato. 

The wine is named after the red apple tree that grows at the top of the hill where the vineyards are located.  This wine spends 14 months aging in oak with an additional 6+ months in the bottle.  Coppo recommends that this wine will hit it’s peak with 5-10 years of ago.  Unfortunately, in order to share this wine with you I had to use my Coravin to pull some out, but I will revisit this bottle at a later time. 

The 2021 Coppo Pomorosso was deep ruby in color with purple highlights.  A rich nose of blackberry and black cherry with some spice and a hint of cocoa.  On the palate this wine is full-bodied with bright acidity.  Dark black plush fruits with plum and blackberries filling the palate.  spice with a touch of cocoa again along with a hint of oak on the elegant finish.  This wine was surprisingly 16.5 ABV, which I didn’t pick up at all.  SRP $69

The Coppo winery was acquired in 2021 by Gruppo Dosio that is led by Gianfranco Lanci, but the Coppo family still manages parts of the winery and is also part of the Board of Directions at Gruppo Dosio.  

Join the rest of my fellow wine writers as they sample an array of Coppo wines with some suggested pairings.

 • Camilla from Culinary Cam says "Let's Talk About Cortese and Barbera Grapes: Two Wines from the Historical Underground Wine Cellars of Coppo + Pairings"
• David from Cooking Chat shares "Pairings for Coppo Barbera and Moscato d'Asti "
• Payal from Keep the Peas shares "Coppo Winery 2023 Chardonnay 'Costebianche' x Vegetarian Punjabi Food"
• Linda from My Full Wine Glass shares "Two Piedmont classics: Nizza Barbera and Moscato d'Asti "
• Robin from Crushed Grape Chronicles reports on "Tunnels and Tufa - The Underground Cathedrals and Coppo Cellars"
• Terri at Our Good Life shares "Pairings with Nizza Barbera and Coppo Monteriolo Chardonnay"
• Martin at Enofylz Wine Blog shares "Historic Wines, Timeless Pairings: Coppo’s Nizza Barbera and Barolo with Wild Mushroom Risotto"
• Gwendolyn at Wine Predator shares "From Coppo's UNESCO Cellars: Nizza and Gavi Paired with Shrimp Ceasar and Duck with Winter Squash Gratin"

• Lynn at Savor the Harvest shares "Chardonnay From One of the Oldest Family-Run Wineries in Italy - Coppo"
• Jeff at Food Wine Click! shares "Dinner with Coppo Wine Cellars Flagship 'Pomorosso' Nizza Barbera"

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*These wines were received as samples, but opinions are always my own.  I may receive commissions for any purchases made via links included this article in support of the operations of Vino Travels.

Prosecco DOC: Nature Meets Sustainable Tourism with Life Tour Biodiversity

A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE TERRITORY

Prosecco DOC strengthens its commitment to sustainability and the promotion of its territory with the content marketing project "Life Tour Biodiversity."
This innovative tourist journey allows consumers to explore natural areas and Regional Parks in the Prosecco DOC production zone, offering authentic sustainable experiences in direct contact with nature.

Through Life Tour Biodiversity, the Consorzio Prosecco DOC guides visitors to fascinating locations, far from traditional routes. The project is designed to engage the senses through music, images, and immersive experiences that will be shared with the Consorzio Prosecco DOC followers, reaching an international audience increasingly focused on environmental issues and the values of conscious tourism.

A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The initiative aims not only to promote the territory but also to support local communities, thanks to collaborations with institutions and administrations focused on environmental preservation. The natural value of these locations is highlighted by a project that combines their protection with tourism promotion. The result is a connection between nature and the Consorzio Prosecco DOC, which becomes an integral part of the visitor experience.

What makes the initiative even more memorable is the creation of an emotional photo gallery, documenting these experiences and showcasing how Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé accompany moments of conviviality in the most picturesque landscapes.

SYMBOLIC PLACES OF BIODIVERSITY

Here are some of the locations featured in the project, each characterized by a rich natural and cultural heritage.

Sile River Park: a protected area that winds along the course of the Sile River, rich in history and biodiversity. The cycling path that runs along the river passes through ancient mills and enchanting landscapes, where Prosecco DOC complements typical dishes of the Treviso cuisine.

Euganean Hills: a true biodiversity gem, formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Here, vine and olive cultivation is an ancient tradition, and Prosecco DOC Rosé pairs perfectly with the local cuisine.

Vallevecchia Nature Reserve: this unspoiled coastal site in the Upper Adriatic is an example of sustainable natural resource management. Prosecco DOC is committed to promoting low-impact tourism, inviting visitors to explore the area by foot, bicycle, or boat, with the utmost respect for the environment.

Miramare Marine Protected Area: the epitome of marine biodiversity, located near Trieste and recognized by UNESCO. Here, a toast with Prosecco DOC at sunset aboard an electric boat becomes the symbol of the perfect balance between man and nature.

Carso Area: a plain of limestone rocks which hosts various nature reserves, from the Duino cliffs to the Lanaro and Orsaro mountains. In the town of Monrupino every two years the historical re-enactment of the "Carso wedding" is held in traditional costume:  to the newlyweds, we dedicate a toast with Prosecco DOC.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WINE AND TERRITORY

Prosecco DOC once again demonstrates how its bond with the territory is inseparable. With Life Tour Biodiversity, the Consorzio Prosecco DOC not only promotes the excellence of its wine but also highlights the importance of responsible, environmentally respectful tourism.

These places tell stories of sustainability, tradition, and innovation, and Prosecco DOC becomes the ambassador of this message, creating experiences that remain in visitors' hearts and strengthen the connection between the wine and its homeland.

This is a commissioned post by Prosecco DOC Consortium.

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Prosecco DOC and Volleyball: A Winning Partnership Born from Prosecco DOC's Support for Imoco Volley

Imoco Volley, the leading team in the world of women's volleyball, has found an exceptional ally in the Consorzio di Tutela of the world’s most beloved sparkling wine. Since 2021, the Prosecco DOC Imoco Volley has been dominating both Italian and international volleyball rankings. In its short history, which began only in 2012, the club has established itself as one of the most dominant teams in both national and international women's volleyball. The team’s trophy case boasts six Italian Championship titles (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), five Italian Cups (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), and five Italian Super Cups (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). On the international stage, they have won three consecutive CEV Champions League titles (2021, 2022, 2023) and two Club World Championships (2019, 2021). These achievements solidify Imoco's reputation as a powerhouse in global volleyball, with a team that consistently wins with quality and persistence across all competitions.

Imoco Volley, a team that embodies strength, endurance, and strategy, could only form a winning partnership with the Consorzio. Both are Italian excellences, symbols and pride of a shared territory, and they share core values like the importance of teamwork, dedication, and care for the land and its community. These qualities have led both to success that goes beyond the playing field.

Another common trait between Imoco Volley and Prosecco DOC is their international reach. Eighty percent of the sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli regions is exported abroad to over 160 countries, from long-established markets like the UK and USA to those in the Far East, such as Japan. The roster of the Treviso team also speaks many languages: from the Polish of captain Joanna Wolosz to the English of USA hitter Khalia Lanier, the Japanese of Nanami Seki, the Chinese of Zhu Ting, and the Portuguese of Gabi.

According to volleyball star Isabelle Haak, the secret to achieving goals is teamwork and mutual support. It’s all the more enjoyable when the first toast with Prosecco DOC after a victory is shared with teammates and fans, who are essential supporters of the Panthers. The talent and discipline of the yellow-blue players are further evidenced by the presence of no fewer than four Olympic medals: three Italian golds from Fahr, De Gennaro, and Lubian, and the Brazilian bronze from Gabi Guimaraes.

Just as on the court, where every action is the result of a collective strategy, the production of Prosecco DOC requires precision, passion, and teamwork at every stage. The synergy between Prosecco DOC and volleyball serves as a unique vehicle to promote sports, the land, and Italian culture, demonstrating that team spirit and collaboration are essential to overcoming any challenge. Together, they create a legacy of shared successes that will leave an indelible mark over time.

This is a commissioned post by Prosecco DOC Consortium.

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What's the Orange Wine Hype?

National Orange Wine Day is this weekend!  Annually, on October 6th , this day has been dedicated to these super interesting wines that have drawn the attention of wine consumers and media in recent years.  This may be a completely foreign subject to some so let’s take out the mystery today of what an orange wine really is. 

What are orange wines? 

No, it is not a wine made from oranges themselves.  Orange wines are actually made from white grapes.  These are white grapes that are vinified as red wines.  Just like red grapes are left in contact with the skins during fermentation to abstract color, tannins, and phenols, orange wines are produced in the same manner.   

Orange wines are white grapes that are left in contact with the skins for a period of time.  Some producers may be as number of days where other producers may let the fermentation with the skins go on for months.  This in turn all affects the outcome of what the wine will taste like in a number of ways. 

Where does the name orange wine come from? 

Orange wines, although not completely orange in color, get their color from the length of time that the skins come in contact with the grapes.  There is a wide array of colors that you will see in orange wines from a pale orangish color to deeper amber.  These amber colored wines in Italy are called ramato, translating to copper, as some of them will have a coppery hue.   

How did orange wines first begin? 

Even though orange wines seem to be more of the hot topic in recent years, they are actually ancient wines that have been around for thousands of years originating in the country of Georgia.  The Georgians used to ferment these white grapes with the skin contact in what some of the Italians still use today, amphorae, or known as qvevri in Georgia.   

In Italy orange wines really began with the famous wine producer, Josko Gravner, in the late 90’s.  Gravner producers some of Italy’s most interesting and high-quality orange wines in the Friuli Venezia Giulia wine region of northeastern Italy.  He may have started the trend within Italy, but other producers have begun their own production and experimentation with orange wines as well.   

What grapes are used to make an orange wine? 

There are a number of white grape varieties that are used to make orange wines.  In Gravner’s region of Friuli Venezia Giulia the most common would be Ribolla Gialla and Pinot Grigio. Around the world you will also see Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Chardonnay and Rkatsiteli being used.  One of my favorite producers of the Upstate New York Finger Lakes wine region, Dr. Konstantin Frank, makes an orange style wine with their “Amber Rkatsiteli”.  

An array of Collio Pinot Grigio ending with the Primosic "Skin" orange wine on the right.

What do orange wines taste like? 

With orange wines it seems it’s a love them or hate them deal.  Personally, I tried orange wines many years ago and would agree with the “funk” of these wines that personally turned me off.  It wasn’t until I decided to try and give them a second chance on my visit to the Collio wine region last summer when I changed my mind.  The producer for me that changed my mind was Primosic, as you’ll see in my prior blog post.   

These wines may or may not be oxidized, but if so that changes the style of the wine from being a fresh and fruity style to more dried fruit, honeyed or nutty characteristics.  These wines tend to be bold and more complex on the aromas and flavor profile along with texture.  They may be herbal, yeasty or have a slight sour taste. It all depends on the grapes used and how the wine was made.  They are quite ageable too. 

Where can you find orange wines? 

You may find orange wines produced in many wine regions of the world, but your most popular wine regions that specialize in these wines would be the originator, the country of Georgia, along with Friuli Venezia Giulia mentioned previous in northeastern Italy.  Also, Slovenia, which sits side by side bordering Friuli Venezia Giulia also makes many orange wines to try as well.

Have you tried orange wines? What are your favorites?

Check on some orange wines on Wine.com.  Vino Travels may receive compensation for any purchases made to support the operations of Vino Travels.

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