The area that lies between Alba to the north and Ceva to the south is known as the Langhe Piedmont – which literally means ‘the tongues’, probably because the hills jut out like tongues, or there are other theories. Whatever the meaning, it is a place that will amaze all your senses – the physical and emotional – because it’s here that you will find the greatest wines in the world, probably some of the best foods in Italy and scenery that will amazed.
The Langhe are famous for their high quality products: Langa Barolo, Barbaresco, of Asti, of hazelnuts, woods and pasture, but each valley has its own customs, traditions and different dialects.
The landscape is characterized by alternation of hills and valleys, by different horizons adorned with towers and castles, by the serenity of a silence interrupted only by the bleating of the sheep and the muffled sounds of farm tools.
The main resource of the Langa hills is wine, absolutely!
Amongst many varieties produced, the mostly known are Barolo ("the King of wines and the Wine of Kings") and Barbaresco, produced with the same grapes (Nebbiolo) but with singular characteristics due to the different production areas, which are the two homonymous towns. However, in this generous land there are many other wines that meet excellence.
The preferred and historic production of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto lives with white wines produced using local grapes like Arneis and Favorita that have a high quality level as well, not to forget the famous Moscato and Asti Spumante.
This is a land that changes with the seasons, and is particularly popular in the autumn when thousands of tourists and connoisseurs flock to Alba for the white truffle fair.
In this occasion Alba welcomes international chefs, gastronomy buffs, oenophiles and wayward travelers to taste the decadent, aromatic and wildly exclusive white truffle.
During that stretch Alba puts on a spectacular series of edible and cultural events over successive weekends. One of the highlights is the famous donkey Palio race, held the first weekend in October.