Tag Archives: Langhe

The Langhe,Roero and Monferrato are now included in UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists

The vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato in Piemonte are now included in  UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the total number of Italian sites to 50.

For those of us who live in this beautiful region of Italy, this news is long overdue. It really is a great achievement and victory for the many people who have worked hard over the years to give our region this international recognition.

Indeed UNESCO brings a much awaited recognition to the generations of farmers who over time have contributed to shaping this area of outstanding natural beauty and an incentive with even greater responsibility to continue in the future.

The reason for the inclusion was cited as “an exceptional recognition to the historical tradition of grape growing, winemaking processes, a rural economy and a social context based on the culture of wine”

Some of the UNESCO sites include the DOCG Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards and the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto,Grinzane Cavour,La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Serralunga d’Alba, Barbaresco and Neive.

Unesco recognition will bring substantial benefits to the area including at least a 30% increase in tourism over the first five years which in itself will have a positive impact on local business and economy in the area. Figures suggest that tourists arriving in the area will increase from 667,000 in 2011 to over 850,000 and generate more than 280 million euro.

Maurizio Marello the Mayor of Alba declares  ”Today is a new beginning in which we have even greater responsibility to protect, develop and promote Alba, Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.”

The new President of the Piedmont Region Sergio Chiamparino commented “This is a starting point and not the end. UNESCO has recognised the historical, natural and cultural heritage of a land that is the archetypal landscape of European wine.”

These are exciting times for our region…
Langhe

Christmas in the Langhe 2011

My family and I have enjoyed yet another wonderful Christmas here in the Langhe region of Piemonte. Alba itself looked truly beautiful with all the decorations particularly Piazza Savona which as you can imagine was bubbling with local life and looked so glamorous with it’s decorations.

People often ask me how an Italian Christmas differs to that of the UK. Well I suppose in my opinion it’s not so commercialized with more aspect placed on the religious considerations. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still the big push on parents to buy presents for the kids etc, it’s just a little more low key.

One major difference is that the Christmas period extends a little, with La Befana. She is a witch who travels on a magic broom and on the night of January 5th delivers sweets to children who have been good and coal to those who have not. Children leave out their stockings hoping for them to be filled with goodies.

For an Englishmen like myself I find it a little strange that all the old Xmas songs are played again during this period, however its still a fun time to enjoy.

Happy  New Year to you all

Buying a casa rustico (rustic house) in Piemonte

A rustic house for sale in the Langhe

Throughout Italy and particularly in the Langhe and Monferrato regions of Piemonte one can find many old stone buildings which have been for many reasons neglected by their current owners.

These old rustic houses or rustici as the Italians call them, usually have a farming connection and consist of an L shape building with haylofts which usually include wonderful arches.

A typical rustico will be found in a rural area and have commanding views of the local countryside and as such can make an ideal location for your dream Italian home.

These old farm properties usually feature original cotto floor tiles and vaulted ceilings. Unfortunately the condition of these houses are usually in a state of disrepair and require complete restoration.

The renovation of these rustici is an expensive process but ultimately you wind up with a property built to your specification and if restored sympathetically could prove to be a good investment over the years. Traditionally restored farmhouses also prove popular for holiday rentals in Piemonte.

You need to be or have someone fluent in Italian to manage the project and be sure to get a quote for all the additional taxes involved as these soon can mount up.

So in conclusion if you can’t find the property of your dreams here in Italy, consider a rustico and renovate it yourself.