Piemonte has created a lot of interest from foreign house buyers since the Winter Games of 2006 especially the Langhe region which is known for its breath taking landscapes and wine production. I am often asked about the area and as a response I have provided below some information on the region.
The Langhe (Langa)
The famous Langhe (Langa in its Italian spelling) wine growing region of Piemonte lies to the south of its capital Alba. It is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards and winding roads which deliver breath taking scenery around every corner. The Langhe area of Piemonte is becoming a popular location for holiday homes and accordingly the prices of property for sale are now increasing.
Tourists world wide come here to follow the wine trail through the typical areas of Dolcetto d' Alba, Barbera d' Alba and Nebbiolo d' Alba. The Langa is also home to the truffle festival held in Alba during October. Each year for about a month and a half Alba is transformed and becomes the world market for truffles .Piazza Bianca hosts up to forty different stands all trading in this sought after commodity.
Barolo known throughout the world for its wine is 15 Km's from Alba. Both Barolo and nearby Grinzane Cavour both host regional wine cellars.
Serralunga has a beautiful castle while Monforte and La Morra will entertain you with their panoramic landscapes and famous restaurants. The countless rows of vines are the home to bunches of black Nebbiolo grapes with are used in the production of Barolo wine.
To the east of Alba along the right bank of the River Tanaro one finds Barbaresco, home to Barbaresco wine again made from the Nebbiolo grape. This area includes the two towns of Treiso and Neive which is known as the town of four wines: Barbaresco, Dolcetto,Barbera and Moscato.
Alta Langa.(Upper Langhe).
Ascending the hills south of Alba one notices a drastic change in scenery with the vineyards being replaced by hazelnuts, woods and meadows. Here scattered are many traditional stone houses (rustico) some beautifully restored in sympathy with the area and others left to deteriorate waiting for a new owner to restore them to their former glory.
Villages in the Upper Langhe or Alta Langa worth visiting include Bergolo, Perletto, Monesiglio, Prunetto and Saliceto.
Property in The Langhe currently reflects good value for money in the current Italian market with buyers focusing on Piemonte farmhouses and old rustic country property that may or may not require restoration and renovation. The costs of undertaking such a project require serious consideration but the results can be spectacular and pay dividends from an investment point of view.
Written by
Clive Wisbey
Clive Wisbey is the owner of Piedmont Property a company based in Alba that offers a range of property for sale in the Piemonte (Piedmont)region of Italy