Gutturnio DOC: the red wine from Piacenza

Introduction

If you are seeking an authentic taste of Piacenza—a wine that beautifully encapsulates centuries of history and winemaking heritage—Gutturnio DOC is the ultimate choice. Produced exclusively in the Colli Piacentini, this remarkable red was among the first ten Italian wines ever to be awarded the prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, back in 1967. Here at Monteverdi Vini, we have been carefully selecting it for over a century. Our family has been crafting wine since 1920, giving us an unparalleled understanding of Gutturnio’s unique character.

What is Gutturnio DOC and why is it unique?

Gutturnio is a masterfully balanced blend of two exceptional native grape varieties: Barbera (55% to 70%) and Croatina (30% to 45%), known locally as Bonarda. This combination pairs the robust structure and vibrant acidity of Barbera with the fruity, velvety smoothness of Croatina—a harmony that Piacenza’s winemakers have perfected over generations.

The name itself is steeped in antiquity. It derives from the gutturnium, a Roman silver chalice discovered during excavations at Veleia Romana in the Piacenza region. This connection is no coincidence; the wines from these rolling hills were already legendary in Roman times. Indeed, Cicero himself famously mentioned the wines of Piacenza in his speech In Pisonem as a symbol of pure abundance.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics of Gutturnio

Depending on the style—frizzante (sparkling), Superiore, or Riserva—Gutturnio reveals beautifully distinct nuances:

  • Colour: A brilliant, bright ruby red, deepening to richer purple hues in the more mature expressions.
  • Aroma: Inviting notes of ripe red berries (blackberry and raspberry) layered with subtle spices and a delicate floral touch.
  • Taste: The frizzante version is delightfully fresh and lively, whilst the Superiore and Riserva offer greater depth and structure, featuring beautifully balanced tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Perfect food pairings

Sparkling Gutturnio is the quintessential aperitif of the Piacenza tradition. It pairs superbly with the region’s PDO cured meats—such as Coppa Piacentina, Salame Piacentino, and Pancetta—alongside warm gnocco fritto. It is also a wonderful match for traditional pasta dishes like pisarei e fasö and tortelli piacentini.

Our flagship wine, the Gutturnio Superiore Linea Lombardelli, is a structured, sophisticated red. It pairs magnificently with rich, flavoursome dishes, making it the perfect companion for braised meats, Sunday roasts, and mixed grills.

Why choose Gutturnio from Monteverdi Vini

Monteverdi Vini is officially authorised to bottle the majority of Italy’s finest wine appellations. Based in Borgo San Giovanni (LO), our winery is a trusted name both in Italy and across the globe, with over thirty years of experience exporting to dozens of countries. Every bottle we produce is the result of rigorous grape selection and winemaking techniques that strike the perfect balance between heritage and modern innovation.

Ordering our authentic Piacenza wine online could not be simpler. Visit our digital boutique, choose your preferred style of Gutturnio—whether frizzante, Superiore, or Riserva—and have it delivered straight to your doorstep.

Not sure where to start?
You don’t need to commit to a whole case to discover our heritage. Simply select your first bottle today and experience the taste of tradition.