Monte Maletto
Gian Marco Viano, a young and dynamic producer, has revitalized Carema, one of Italy's smallest and yet oldest viticultural sites. Arriving amidst a crisis, with aging grape growers unable to tend the challenging terrain, Gian Marco saw an opportunity to make a difference. As a professional sommelier with experience across Europe, including stints in Michelin-starred establishments, his passion for winemaking was kindled by the historic significance of Carema, influenced by the renowned journalist Mario Soldati.
In 2014, Gian Marco took his first steps into winemaking, starting with a small vineyard in the town center. Recognizing the need for technical expertise, he honed his skills working with producers in Ivrea. With determination, he leased eight small parcels on the northern slopes of Carema, connected by a rugged trail. This journey through time, winding amidst historic terraces, embodies the essence of Carema's rich heritage.
Situated beneath the Vallee d'Aosta border, Carema's winemaking culture was on the brink of extinction, with only a handful of producers persevering. Today, less than 20 hectares (50 acres) of terraced vineyards are cultivated, making this one of Italy’s smallest appellations. The restoration efforts of Gian Marco and others have safeguarded this unique terroir, where pergola-trained vines flourish in sandy soils dotted with glacial stones. This combination of sand and gneiss allows the local Nebbiolo clones (referred to as Picotener, or Picotendro) to show both finely grained tannins and a unique mineral backbone, as opposed to muscular Nebbiolos of the limestone rich Langhe or the darker, dustier Nebbiolo grown on the volcanic soils of Boca or Bramaterra in Alto Piemonte.
Carema’s wines stand as a testament to the resilience of this ancient winemaking tradition.
Available Wines:
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"Vecchie Tonneaux" Vino Bianco (Erbaluce)
100% Erbaluce, a native grape variety of the Canavese area, north and east from Torino in Piemonte (Just south of Carema). Gian Marco farming this small rented parcel practicing organic viticulture. As it is common in this area, the grapes are grown with a pergola system. After destemming and crushing, the must starts fermentation with native yeasts and with the skins in the press overnight, and the following day it is transferred to old, exhausted French oak tonneaux, where it will eventually finish the alcoholic fermentation, and undergo malolactic fermentation and batonnage. This is a mesmerizing white, combining sneaky concentration with with mineral lift. Aromas of ripe peach, jasmine and crushed rocks linger on the finish. 2900 bottles produced.
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"Battito del Maletto" Nebbiolo Canavese DOC
The “Heartbeat of the Maletto Mountain” is 95% Nebbiolo, and 5% Ner d’Ala (a native variety sparsely cultivated in the Canavese, in Val d’Aosta and in the Pinerolese area). 70% of the grapes come from organically farmed, rented vineyards in the Canavese area, 30% from small parcels in Carema. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel vats, with 20% of whole clusters. Aged in stainless steel vats for about 10 months. This is a lively, juicy and delicious red, brimming with ripe wild berry, licorice and mountain herbs. It shows all the tension of alpine Nebbiolos, without sacrificing complexity and elegance. 2000 bottles produced.
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"Sole e Roccia" Carema DOC
100% Nebbiolo from Carema (aka Picotendro), from Gian Marco’s own small plots and from a couple of small leased parcels. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel with 25% whole clusters, 30-40 days of maceration. Aged in used French barriques for 18 months and then in bottle for 6 months. As its name suggests (Sun + Rocks), this is the quintessential Nebbiolo of Carema, striking an incredible balance between the tension of alpine Nebbiolo, and the aromatic detail coming from these unique vineyards, rich in sand and gneiss. The core of dark dry cherries is followed by notes of licorice, tobacco leaves, and clove. As it opens up, mesmerizing aromas of peppermint and clove add a refined touch to the finish. 2200 bottles produced.
The village of Carema
Gian Marco Viano in his vineyards
Gian Marco Viano in his vineyards
The typical glacial stone of Carema (gneiss)
Dry stone terraces and Nebbiolo vines in Carema
The typical gneiss rock of Carema
The terraced vineyards in Carema
Terraced vineyards in Carema