Erbaluce
Dawn's Dew
Erbaluce is grown in Caluso, Canavese and Piedmont.
3regions it is known for
2other names
- Tastes of
- green apple, citrus, flint and chamomile
- Goes with
- bagna cauda, freshwater fish and fritto misto
- Also called
- Erbaluce di Caluso, Greco Novarese
The story
Erbaluce means 'dawn's light'—the grapes glow golden at sunrise. From Caluso north of Turin, it makes sparkling, still, and passito (sweet) wines. The DOCG for passito is Italy's northernmost sweet wine appellation.
Insider story
Erbaluce is Piedmont's most versatile white—three styles from one grape.
The passito version is extraordinary—honeyed, long-lived.
Underrated because it's not in famous zones.
Technical deep dive
Versatile grape: sparkling, still, and passito.
High acidity suits all three styles.
Passito ages 20+ years.
Industry secrets
Erbaluce Passito is Italy's secret dessert wine.
Fraction of Vin Santo prices, similar quality.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Aged passito occasionally appears
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Orsolani
- Ferrando
- Cieck
- Value picks
- Caluso DOCG ($15-25); Passito ($35-60)
- Price trend
- Stable. Passito is undervalued.
- Collector’s tip
- Collect the Passito—it ages beautifully and costs little.