UNESCO Langhe: A World Heritage Site in Italy’s Wine Landscapes
The UNESCO Langhe region, officially known as the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, is a World Heritage Site located in the Italian provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo. This cultural landscape covers five distinct wine-growing areas, boasting outstanding landscapes and the historic Castle of Grinzane Cavour. The region has a rich history, with vine pollen dating back to the 5th century BC, and its vineyards have become an international benchmark for winemaking expertise.
The Langhe Region: A Brief Overview
The Langhe region, situated in the southern part of Piedmont, is nestled between the Po River and the Ligurian Apennines. This area is characterized by its meticulously cultivated hillsides, ancient land divisions, and a variety of architectural structures that contribute to its visual appeal. The region has been recognized for its harmony, the balance between the aesthetic qualities of its landscapes, the architectural and historical diversity of the built elements associated with wine production activities, and an authentic and ancient art of winemaking.
The Castle of Grinzane Cavour
The Castle of Grinzane Cavour, an emblematic name in the development of vineyards and Italian history, is a significant feature within the UNESCO Langhe region. The castle serves as a testament to the region’s professional practices and centuries-old traditions.
Sites Within the UNESCO Langhe Region
There are five distinct wine-growing areas within the UNESCO Langhe region, each offering unique features and characteristics. These areas include:
- Langhe
- Roero
- Monferrato
- Asti
- Cuneo
Each of these areas provides an outstanding example of man’s interaction with the natural environment, as well as the expertise and skills involved in winemaking.
Langhe
The Langhe area is known for its picturesque landscapes, hilltop villages, castles, Romanesque churches, and a variety of wineries producing world-famous wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. This region is also famous for its white truffles, which are celebrated annually during the Alba White Truffle Festival.
Roero
Roero, situated on the left bank of the Tanaro River, is characterized by its sandy soils and unique microclimate. This area is known for producing high-quality wines, including Roero Arneis and Roero DOCG.
Monferrato
Monferrato, a hilly region located between the Po River and the Ligurian Apennines, is renowned for its vineyards, castles, and medieval towns. This area is famous for producing Barbera d’Asti, Moscato d’Asti, and Asti Spumante wines.
Asti
Asti, a province in the Piedmont region, is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and historic towns. The area is famous for producing Asti Spumante, a sparkling white wine, and Barbera d’Asti, a red wine.
Cuneo
Cuneo, another province within the Piedmont region, is known for its picturesque landscapes, medieval towns, and vineyards. This area is famous for producing Dolcetto di Dogliani and Langhe Nebbiolo wines.
Outstanding Universal Value
The UNESCO Langhe region has been recognized for its outstanding universal value, reflecting a long history of winemaking traditions that have been continuously improved and adapted up to the present day. The area is considered an excellent example of man’s interaction with his natural environment, showcasing the best possible adaptation of grape varieties to specific soil and climatic conditions.
Criteria for UNESCO Recognition
The UNESCO Langhe region was recognized based on the following criteria:
- Criterion (iii): The cultural landscapes of the Piedmont vineyards provide outstanding living testimony to winegrowing and winemaking traditions that stem from a long history and have been continuously improved and adapted up to the present day. They bear witness to an extremely comprehensive social, rural and urban realm, and to sustainable economic structures. They include a multitude of harmonious built elements that bear witness to its history and its professional practices.
- Criterion (v): The vineyards of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato constitute an outstanding example of man’s interaction with his natural environment. Following a long and slow evolution of winegrowing expertise, the best possible adaptation of grape varieties to land with specific soil and climatic components has been carried out, which in itself is related to winemaking expertise, thereby becoming an international benchmark. The winegrowing landscape also expresses great aesthetic qualities, making it into an archetype of European vineyards.
Integrity and Authenticity
The integrity of the UNESCO Langhe region is considered satisfactory, as it contains all the elements required for full expression of its values. The authenticity of the landscape elements and the many cultural elements of the serial property has been justified, showcasing continuity in ancient practices and expertise.
Protection and Management Requirements
The UNESCO Langhe region is protected under the Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code, with the responsibility of the Cultural Heritage Ministry and its regional agencies. The protection of the buffer zones is confirmed by the Provincial Act.
Management Association
The Management Association groups together the municipalities covered by the serial property and buffer zones, under the authority of the Region, for the purpose of coordinating the conservation measures. This results in the implementation of precisely defined programs, gathered together in the Management Plan.
Investing in the UNESCO Langhe Region
With the support of Gisaf Consulting, international investors can benefit from a wide range of personalized and high-quality services designed to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial journey in the UNESCO Langhe region.
The Right Investment
Gisaf Consulting’s many years of experience, in-depth knowledge of the local area, and network of local and international contacts guarantee professional and reliable support at every stage of your project, from the search for investment opportunities to the management and development of your activities.
The Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato regions offer extraordinary opportunities for international investors wishing to start or acquire a business in this fascinating and dynamic context, known for its wine landscapes and rich cultural heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Langhe region, encompassing the vineyard landscapes of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, is a unique and culturally rich area with significant historical and aesthetic value. Its recognition as a World Heritage Site highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the area’s winemaking traditions and landscapes. For those considering investing in this region, the support of Gisaf Consulting and the opportunities offered by the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato areas provide a solid foundation for success in this fascinating and dynamic context.
