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Divided into five distinct areas, they represent an extraordinary synthesis of human activity and the natural landscape.
The five areas include Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, characterized by undulating hills and vineyards producing renowned wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. The Canelli area is famous for its Moscato vineyards, while Nizza Monferrato is known for Barbera, a highly prestigious red wine. The Castle of Grinzane Cavour area, encompassing an ancient residence and the surrounding vineyards, provides insight into Piedmont's wine history. Lastly, the Susa and Orco Valley is a more northern area with a lesser-known but equally important winemaking tradition.
These vineyard landscapes bear witness to the intimate connection between humans and the land, illustrating the long-standing commitment of Piedmont's inhabitants to cultivating vines and producing excellent wines. Their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list underscores the universal value of this winemaking culture and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Piedmont, Italy, showcase a remarkable blend of winegrowing areas and historical structures. Spanning the southern part of Piedmont between the Po River and the Ligurian Apennines, this region encapsulates the wine production processes that have thrived for centuries. With evidence of vine pollen dating back to the 5th century BC when Piedmont served as a meeting point for the Etruscans and Celts, this area holds a rich history. Roman accounts, such as those by Pliny the Elder and Strabo, attest to its importance in ancient Italy. The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato vineyards feature five distinct winegrowing regions, each with a unique history and specific soil, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. The landscape includes carefully tended hills adorned with structures that add visual appeal, including hilltop villages, castles, churches, farms, cellars, and storehouses for wine storage and distribution. The entire property embodies a perfect harmony of aesthetics, architecture, history, and the art of winemaking.
The cultural landscapes of these vineyards are a testament to centuries of winemaking traditions that have evolved and adapted over time, providing a holistic view of the region's social, rural, urban, and economic aspects. They consist of various well-preserved elements reflecting historical practices and traditions. The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato vineyards illustrate how humans have interacted with the environment by adapting grape varieties to specific soil and climate conditions, thus setting an international standard. Furthermore, these vineyards exhibit significant aesthetic qualities, making them an exemplary European vineyard.
The property's integrity is intact, as it includes all necessary components to convey its values comprehensively. Collectively, its five regions reflect the complex cultural, architectural, environmental, and productive dimensions of this wine-producing area. It exemplifies traditions developed over centuries, showcasing authentic and expertly practiced processes. The landscape elements and cultural features of the property are authentic, demonstrating the continuity of ancient practices and expertise. The Piedmont vineyard landscape presents a harmonious and scenic rural setting, accentuated by gentle rolling hills, offering numerous vistas and panoramas.
The site is legally protected under the Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code (Decree n°42 of 22 January 2004), regulated by the Cultural Heritage Ministry and regional authorities, outlining the responsibilities and application procedures. Municipalities oversee permits for construction and alterations in accordance with their regulatory plans. Buffer zones are also protected by provincial acts.
The Management Association, comprising municipalities within the property and buffer zones, is responsible for coordinating conservation measures, as detailed in the Management Plan. The Agreement Act represents the commitment of each municipality and administration to protect the property and actively participate in its management and enhancement.
