SIZZANO (NO) – HISTORY, ART AND ELITE WINES OF NOVARA HILLS

 

SIZZANO (NO) – HISTORY, ART AND ELITE WINES OF NOVARA HILLS 

 

Sizzano is one of the oldest and most attractive villages of the fertile and picturesque Novara Hills, a small center located along the Valsesia State Road known since the times of Imperial Rome which built a Castrum in the current territory.

The local area over the course of several centuries became a very famous place dedicated to the cultivation of vineyards resulting in the production of highly prized wines including seven types of Colline Novaresi and Sizzano D.O.C.

You can a enjoy a visit of this very pleasant borgo with a stop at the entrance of the town to admire the elegant Palazzo Trivulzio - Manzoni a refined eighteenth-century villa with baroque and renaissance architectural elements which was the home of the Caccia di Camino Counts.

A short distance away near the Ponte della Roggia Mora you can appreciate the beautiful lines of the Church of San Grato which preserves in its interior very valuable frescoes from the 1600s, great works by the Piedmontese school. 

Once reached the municipal heart a notable attraction is the charming Church of San Vittore built in the 11th century, a medieval masterpiece with three naves in which its majestic bell tower stands out, a religious building well known for the discovery of frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages, superb works of immense value.

You can continue with the fascinating Medieval Ricetto, a nucleus developed around what remained of the Old Castle, the defensive stronghold of the village which was severely damaged during the feudal wars. Its original structure was never totally recovered or completely rebuilt but splendidly rehabilitated.

As monumental fulcrum of the village, the Ricetto forms a picturesque agglomeration, returning with its appearance to a remote, romantic past thanks to the presence of evocative restored buildings flanked by narrow streets and alleys with rough stone and pebble paving, splendidly renovated wall sections and fascinating pedestrian passages which wind under brick arches.

The pleasant visit can continue in front of the aristocratic Palazzo Tornielli with its magnificent neoclassical façade where in its garden was placed a historic wooden press dated 4th century, a tangible symbol of Sizzano's winemaking activity since from very remote times.

The production of wines of Sizzano have achieved fame and prestige for their quality, highly appreciated by gourmets and oenologists with finest palate These local wines are created in different proportions - percentages from 40% - 60% of Nebbiolo also locally called Spanna, 25% of Bonarda Novarese and 15% of Vespolina, a sort of magical cross entering into a sphere of high ranking.

The vineyards that generate this fantastic "nectar" are limited to the entire territorial basin of Sizzano with partial encroachment into the territories of Gattinara, Ghemme, Fara Novarese, Carpignano Sesia and Cavaglio D'Agogna.

The combination of the grapes created a product with a highly palatable alcohol content of 12 degrees, a dry smell and violet scent the characteristic color is ruby red, lively, intense, true and vivid, sometimes tending towards garnet tones, absolutely very pleasant and very refined.

It is a wine with a harmonious and savory flavor and for its consumption the limits after the aging process are no later than 36 months. Very versatile in pairings, perfect as an accompaniment to a vast choice of dishes as red meats, roasts, superlative for the preparation of exquisite risottos, undoubtedly perfect with Polenta accompanied by stews, stews and game meat.

The very mild micro-climate that exists in this Piedmontese hilly area and the suitable choice for grafting the vines at a suitable altitude as well as on the characteristics of the subsoil with its mineral components present, fertile which in this area is neither arid nor humid, characteristics which are fundamental for obtaining high quality finished products.

Sizzano D.O.C. has those iconic three-letter acronym that identifies the controlled denomination of origin which, in addition to being a protection for the producer, provenance and traditional pre-production methods, adding prestige to the wine, a title granted on 18 July 1969 by the Italian Republic and then moved on to data export statistics with countries and markets conquered over the years of activity.

Very interesting some historical anecdotes that link the wine of these lands to illustrious and famous people, starting from the emblematic figure of Pliny, a well-known Roman philosopher who described the local grapes in an ode as divine and centuries.

Also Camillo Benso Count of Cavour, famous statesman at the court of the House of Savoy once he knew and tasted Sizzano wine, he chose it among his favorites, becoming in his own way a sort of ambassador to the Royal family and the high Turin nomeclature, praising its characteristics, quality and goodness.

Sizzano also offer a delicious cuisine such as lamb ribs with mixed vegetables, slice of Loin al Latte with brown potatoes with rosemary among others.For all those who love history, art and tasting good wines, Sizzano is certainly an excellent destination to enjoy without hesitations in this pleasant area of Piedmont.

Link : https://www.quattrocalici.it/denominazioni/sizzano-doc/