Nizza is a small, distinctive DOCG which covers the hillside vineyards immediately surrounding the town of Nizza Monferrato, southwest of Asti, in Piedmont. This tiny, special area is historically recognized for producing unique, top-quality wines exclusively from the Barbera grape. In 2014 Nizza was finally given official DOCG status, cementing its position as the “Barolo of Barbera”. While Nizza Monferrato is the heart of the DOCG, Nizza may be produced from the growing areas around the 15 small towns that surround the larger municipality. Corsa Delle Botti is produced from grapes grown in Nizza Monferrato and Mombaruzzo, where the winery is located (just one hillside to the east). Here the white calcareous soils are layered with clay and sandstone which give the wine its distinctly elegant profile. Harvest is made by hand at the end of September. The grapes are destemmed and pressed. Three weeks of cold maceration in stainless steel is followed by four weeks of fermentation with cultured yeast. The wine is aged in 250L French oak barrique (50% new) for one year and a minimum of six months in the bottle before release. Gluten-Free. Vegetarian. Non-GMO.
Corsa Delle Botti is produced by the Sperone family who have been making affordable, premium wines for five generations. The family’s heritage is defined by the union of two great winemaking dynasties, both established in Turin at the turn of the 20th century: the Martini family, who produced vermouth, and the Sperone family, renowned wine merchants. In 1939, Giacomo Sperone married Laura Martini. Together, they set about growing the business, and their family. In 1962, they founded the winery’s current headquarters in Cusano Milanino, and expanded production to include sparkling wines and liqueurs. In 1982, their sons, Paolo and Antonio, established Tenuta Neirano in the hills of Monferrato, outside of Asti. Here, the brothers’ dedication to impeccable vineyard management and classical cellar practices coaxed the best possible expressions from Piedmont’s native varietals. Today, Antonio’s son and daughter, Andrea and Francesca, continue this legacy by crafting elegant Piedmont wines that honor historic tradition and remain accessible to wine lovers worldwide.
The historic wine culture that pioneered Nizza’s unique Barbera wines is on display every year in Nizza Monferrato during the “Corsa Delle Botti” (Race of the Barrels). This jovial contest recreates a 19th century tradition when finished barrels were rolled through the narrow streets by artisans’ apprentices racing to deliver them first.