The Albarossa grape variety was created in 1938 by Giovanni Dalmasso by crossing Nebbiolo and Barbera, in an attempt to merge the characteristics and qualities of the two main Piedmontese grape varieties. The variety is also known as Incrocio Dalmasso XV/31. Giovanni Dalmasso is one of the fathers of ampelography in Italy, his texts are considered as the bible for viticulture and his studies have contributed to the drafting of many regulations for DOC and DOCG wines. In fact, DNA investigations conducted a few years ago revealed that the true “father” of Albarossa is not the famous and noble Nebbiolo, but the lesser-known Chatus, also called Nebbiolo di Dronero, a native alpine grape, whose name may have led to the confusion.

After a long period of experimentation, in 2001 Albarossa was registered among the grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo, arousing the interest of many producers, including some very famous names, for its enological qualities and predisposition to aging in wood. Since then, the variety has been grown in the provinces of Alessandria and Cuneo on an area that was initially only about ten hectares, but which has been constantly expanding since then. From Albarossa, intense and complex wines are obtained, with distinct fruity and spicy notes.