Canelli

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club

Canelli is located in the southern province of Asti, at the entrance to the valley of the Belbo stream. It stands amidst a small plain and two large hilly areas mainly cultivated with vines. This landscape, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has greatly influenced the economy, history and very life of the community. Today, Canelli is one of the world capitals of wine. Around the middle of the fifteenth century, the Castle, which currently belongs to the Gancia family, replaced a majestic medieval manor destroyed during the war against Monferrato. Also significant are the town’s many Baroque churches: the parish churches of San Tommaso and San Leonardo, with their fine furnishings, and the confraternities of San Rocco and of the Holy Annunciation, which are small architectural masterpieces. Divided into the two districts of Borgo and Villanuova, clinging to the side of the hill, the historic centre is brimming with delightful views and inspirations with an age-old allure. The beautiful panoramic streets of Villanuova afford fabulous views. But what makes Canelli truly original and unique in Italy is hidden from view: namely, the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Canelli wineries, real “underground cathedrals”. Masterpieces of engineering and architecture, they expand under the entire town within the tufa hills, creating environments with a very special atmosphere. The finest wines of Canelli rest and age in these rooms, at a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees. Today, four underground cathedrals can be visited (subject to booking): the historic cellars of Bosca, Contratto, Coppo and Gancia. In terms of nature, the Via degli Innamorati (Way of lovers) is a romantic path inspired by the couple of lovers created by the famous French cartoonist, Raymond Peynet. Along the route, which follows a historic cobbled street known as sternia (or “path” in dialect), you can admire works by local artists, all inspired by the theme of love. As a winegrowing town, Canelli produces the fine DOCG wines Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante and the DOC wines Alta Langa, Barbera d'Asti and Dolcetto d'Asti. Other typical products include PGI Hazelnuts, the white truffle of Alba and the Cardo Gobbo (thistle) of Nizza Monferrato. The town organises many events, such as Canelli Città del Vino, a three-day festival marked by tastings, food and wine, as well as music, art and tradition. The event takes place on the 3rd weekend of September, in the heart of the town. In November, the Fiera di San Martin and the Regional Truffle Fair, one of the most important food and wine events in the area, fill the town centre with stalls offering plenty of opportunities to taste the local white truffles. In July, for an evening, Canelli in Gala transforms the centre into an elegant outdoor restaurant, where you can enjoy a menu created by seven of the town’s restaurants, paired with wines from the Enoteca Regionale di Canelli and Astesana.