Carema is a small comune (municipality) and village in the Metropolitan City of Turin, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is renowned primarily as a wine-producing area, where the local red wine, also named Carema, holds Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status. The village embodies a blend of alpine charm, heroic viticulture, and historical heritage, serving as a "paese vigneto" (vineyard village) where grapevines have long integrated into the daily life and landscape. With its terraced vineyards clinging to steep slopes, Carema represents a microcosm of traditional Italian rural life, where agriculture, particularly winemaking, remains central to identity and economy.
Carema lies about 60 kilometers north of Turin, at the border of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, in the Canavese region. Positioned at roughly 349 meters above sea level, its vineyards span elevations from 300 to 600 meters. The municipality covers 10.26 square kilometers, featuring a natural amphitheater of south-facing terraced slopes that capture sunlight while being protected from cold northern winds. The steep, rocky terrain, supported by dry stone walls and pergola systems, prevents erosion and creates a favorable microclimate for viticulture. Carema borders neighboring municipalities such as Perloz, Lillianes, Donnas, Pont-Saint-Martin, Settimo Vittone, and Quincinetto. The soil, influenced by the nearby Mombarone mountain, imparts a distinct minerality to the local wine. In 2024, Carema was added to the National Register of Historic Rural Landscapes for its preserved terraced agricultural heritage.
Carema’s history is closely tied to its winemaking tradition, which dates back to at least the 15th century when its wine was already noted for its quality. By the 16th century, Carema wine had gained widespread recognition, and in the 19th century, it won awards in international competitions. The village was historically a bishop’s fief until 1357, when it came under Savoy control. The ruins of the 12th-century Castruzzone Castle, destroyed in the 16th century during French conflicts, stand as a testament to its medieval past. In the early 20th century, Carema thrived as a wine-producing hub with over 120 hectares of vineyards, supporting significant employment. However, post-World War II industrialization led to urban migration, shrinking vineyard coverage to just 13 hectares today. The Carema DOC was established in 1967, restricting production to grapes from within the municipality to ensure authenticity. Since 2013, the Slow Food Presidium has worked to preserve this heritage, emphasizing the wine’s cultural significance.
Carema’s economy centers on agriculture, with viticulture as its backbone. The production of Carema DOC wine is the primary economic driver, though the labor-intensive terraced vineyards require four times more effort than flatland farming. In the early 20th century, wine production fueled prosperity, but today, an aging population of growers and declining interest among younger generations threaten its sustainability. The current 13 hectares of vineyards produce low yields of high-quality wine. Small-scale vegetable farming under pergolas supplements income, and tourism, focused on wine and hiking, is emerging. The Slow Food Presidium unites producers to maintain traditional methods and promote the wine internationally. Key producers include the Nebbiolo of Carema cooperative winery, Azienda Agricola Monte Maletto, and individual growers like Achille Milanesio, who prioritize biodiversity and landscape preservation.
Carema wine is a red varietal made primarily from the Nebbiolo grape, specifically the Picotener biotype, which must constitute at least 85% of the blend, with any remainder from local varieties. This clone, adapted to Carema’s unique conditions, produces refined wines. Production is limited to the Carema municipality, spanning parts of Turin, Biella, and Vercelli provinces. Vines are trained on pergolas (locally called topia), supported by stone pillars (pilun) that absorb and release heat to stabilize temperatures. Grapes are hand-harvested in late October, and wines are aged in large barrels to emphasize elegance. Carema wine is described as "strong and likeable as the sun and the stone," with a fresh, floral nose (violets, red berries) and mineral notes. Its palate is elegant, with dense tannins, a slightly orange hue, and lasting aromas, distinct from bolder Nebbiolos like Barolo or Barbaresco. The Slow Food Presidium promotes separate vinification of Picotener and sustainable practices to preserve these qualities.
Carema’s culture revolves around its winemaking heritage, symbolizing community resilience. Vineyards are woven into village life, surrounding homes and gardens. The village features medieval alleys with stone-roofed houses, historic fountains like the 1571 Via Basilia fountain (bearing Savoy and French coats of arms) and the 1640 St. Matthew fountain, and the 60-meter-high bell tower of St. Martin’s Church. Other landmarks include the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Palazzotto degli Ugoni, and the Grand Masun, a historical building now a cultural center. The Slow Food Presidium, active since 2013, underscores Carema’s role in preserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge, with the Italian Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance promoting the wine. A key challenge is passing manual viticultural skills to younger generations, as expertise in managing pergolas and terraces remains with older workers.
As of January 1, 2017, Carema had a population of 795, with a density of 77 people per square kilometer. Residents are known as Caremesi. The mayor, Giovanni Aldighieri, leads local governance in this close-knit community. Carema operates on Central European Time (UTC+1, with UTC+2 during daylight saving time), uses the postal code 10010, and has a dialing code of 0125.
Tourism in Carema highlights its vineyards, history, and natural beauty, drawing wine enthusiasts and hikers. The 4-kilometer Sentieri dei Vigneti loop trail, a two-hour walk, explores terraced landscapes, stone walls, cliffs, and chapels like the 17th-century San Rocco and Siei Chapel dedicated to San Grato. Hikers can extend routes to the Castruzzone Castle ruins for scenic views. Wine tastings in local cellars offer immersive experiences, while the medieval alleys showcase architectural treasures. Carema’s heroic viticulture and DOC wine make it a niche destination for those seeking authentic Piedmontese culture, with opportunities to observe traditional harvesting and winemaking.