The Erbaluce grape variety is native to Piedmont, but its origin is still uncertain. It may come from Lower Monferrato, or, according to the most accredited thesis, from the subalpine area of Canavese. The name Erbaluce is also subject to some debate, with some arguing that it derives from the coppery color of its clusters in the alpine sun, while others say it comes from the goddess Albaluce, who was born on a hill in Caluso and whose tears caused the Erbaluce grape to sprout from the ground. In Roman times, it was known as Alba Lux (meaning dawn light) precisely for the brightness of its berries. Arneis and Greco have both been proposed as varieties related to Erbaluce, but the genetic link has not been definitively proven.

Erbaluce is a very adaptable and versatile grape variety. Thanks to the pronounced acidity and sweetness of its berries, various types of wine can be produced from Erbaluce, from dry wines to sparkling wines and sweet and passito wines. The latter benefit from both the acidity and sugar content as well as the resistance of the berries to mold and pests. Erbaluce is generally grown using the pergola canavesana system, according to the ancient tradition of the area, but more recent plantings with the guyot system are not lacking. It is a variety that produces medium-sized clusters with a slightly elongated shape. Caluso Spumante, the sparkling version of Erbaluce, is appreciated for its fresh and fruity notes, supported by strong acidity and subtle minerality. The dry still wines of Erbaluce are full-bodied and have notes of crisp apples. Caluso Passito is one of the most famous in Italy, characterized by a deep golden color and intense aromas of peach and almond.