Bel Colle

History and location of the winery

The Bel Colle winery was founded in 1976 by brothers Franco and Carlo Pontiglione, together with their brother-in-law Giuseppe Priola. It is located in the town of Verduno, between Barolo and Alba, in the heart of the Piedmont hills. The vineyard is located in the northwest and southwest, between 190 and 400 meters above sea level. Bel Colle has 12 hectares of vineyards, but has leases with other farmers who grow grapes.

Barolo, Paolo and Borgo 

The oenologist of the winery since 1986 is Paolo Torchio, known for the high quality and clear structure of the wines. He is also a graduate of the famous viticultural school in Alba. The wines of Bel Colle stand for precise aromas and for complex, harmonious wines.

A certain prominence has been achieved through the winery's two top vineyard sites: Monvigliero and Borgo Castagni. Monvigliero is south of Verduno and is considered one of Barolo's best sites, with southwest-facing slopes, meaning plenty of afternoon sun. From here come Barolos that are very smooth, with soft tannins, yet very persistent and with a nice, balanced body. Borgo Castani is the home of the vineyards. The soil here is loamy to calcareous. The wines reflect this with an intense and unique bouquet on the nose.

The Pelaverga grape variety is considered a specialty of the Bel Colle winery and the Verduno area. This grape variety was formally saved from extinction and even obtained DOC status in 1995, thanks to Giuseppe Priola, who also personally promoted the replanting and new propagation of this variety. The total area of vineyards where Pelaverga is grown is about 15 hectares.