In the heart of the Canavese region, between the Alps and the plains, lie the vineyards of Erbaluce, an indigenous grape variety capable of producing fine white wines, passiti and sparkling wines. Like this Erbaluce di Caluso Passito DOCG ‘Venanzia’ by Azienda Agricola La Masera, a sweet white of rare elegance and complexity. Here the soils are sandy and calcareous and the climate cool and breezy. These conditions naturally create an ideal environment for the ripening of grapes rich in aromas and sugars. In addition, the beneficial temperature range between day and night favours the preservation of a beautiful freshness. Erbaluce, an ancient grape variety, has been cultivated in this area for centuries. Its thick skin and juicy pulp make it perfect for raisining, a technique that concentrates the sugars and aromas, creating a complex and intense wine. In this case, the carefully selected grapes are left to dry on racks for several weeks. During this period, they naturally lose water and concentrate sugars and aromas. The subsequent fermentation takes place in French oak barriques, where the wine then matures for at least another 24 months. Straw yellow in colour, with golden hues, the nose impresses with its broad and intense bouquet, with notes of dried fruit, fruit in syrup, honey, vanilla and sweet spices. On the palate, however, Venanzia is sweet but never cloying, with a nice acidity that balances the sweetness and gives harmony to the sip. The structure is good, the persistence long, with an almondy finish that invites another sip. A meditation wine, it is perfect to round off an important meal or to accompany special evenings. It goes well with traditional Piedmontese desserts such as baci di dama (lady's kisses) or torcetti di nocciole (hazelnut torcetti), but also with mature and blue cheeses.