This is a sort of paradise for wine lovers.
In Canelli, a small town in the Piemonte region of Italy, lies a hidden gem of architecture dedicated to the production and aging of wine. The historic cellars of the Gancia family, where the first Italian Spumante was produced in 1865, are a priceless heritage that should be seen and appreciated by all wine enthusiasts. The underground cathedrals were meticulously dug into the hills of Canelli, using tuff, a perfect natural heat insulator capable of maintaining a constant temperature between 12-14 degrees Celsius [1].
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These structures have been designed to provide the ideal environment for processing and aging wine. The tuff material not only maintains a stable temperature but also helps to keep the humidity levels constant, which is crucial for the quality of the wine. The underground location also provides a stable and consistent environment, away from sunlight and other external factors that could negatively affect the wine [2].
The cellars are not only functional but also architecturally stunning. The intricate design and layout of the underground cathedrals have been carefully planned and executed to create an awe-inspiring space. The sheer size of the cellars is impressive, with over 5 kilometers of tunnels and galleries, and the height of some of the halls is almost 20 meters. The cellars are adorned with impressive arches and pillars, creating a grand atmosphere that showcases the true craftsmanship of the workers who dug these tunnels centuries ago [1].
Visitors to the Gancia family cellars can experience the rich history and culture of winemaking in the Piemonte region firsthand. Guided tours are available, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the Gancia family. The tours include a visit to the historic cellars and end with a wine tasting, allowing visitors to sample the famous Spumante and other wines produced on the estate [3].
In conclusion, the underground cathedrals of the Gancia family in Canelli, Piemonte, are a priceless heritage of architecture dedicated to wine. These historic cellars are not only functional but also architecturally stunning, with intricate designs and layouts that showcase the true craftsmanship of the workers who dug these tunnels centuries ago. A visit to the Gancia family cellars provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of winemaking in the Piemonte region and sample some of the finest wines produced on the estate.
Images
Underground Cathedrals photos provided by Gancia
Canelli photo (Wikipedia)
The beautiful scenery of Canelli, Asti
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I was intrigued by the equipment and machinery in the cathedral, but no attempt was made to describe each photo. Could you please add descriptions?