Santa Maria della Versa offers a journey back in time, interweaving centuries-old history with modern winemaking excellence. Known as the ‘capital of Pinot‘ and sparkling wine, this small community boasts a rich history and a wine and food tradition of excellence. A trip to Santa Maria della Versa promises to reveal the secrets of a land rich in flavours and wine culture.
The origins of the village date back to the 14th century, when the place was still uncultivated, dominated by thorns and oaks. In this wild landscape stood a small chapel dedicated to the ‘Madonna Val Versa‘, venerated by the inhabitants of the area as a dispenser of miraculous graces. This Madonnina, painted on wood and still preserved on the altar of the parish church, was the spiritual fulcrum around which the village developed.
The Birth of the Village
Over the centuries, a real village developed around the small rural shrine, which became a point of reference for local commerce. During the 19th century, the area around the church, known simply as ‘la Madonna‘ by the inhabitants, became the main quarter of the village of Soriasco, an ancient hamlet of much older origins, which still dominates Santa Maria from its tower.
The Transition to the New Centre
With the passage of time, Santa Maria della Versa, thanks to its ample space and greater opportunities for economic development, began to supplant Soriasco as the main centre of the area. Santa Maria‘s markets, shops, hotels and trattorias attracted more and more business and people, giving it a central role in the economic life of the area. In the second half of the 19th century, the village took over all public and administrative services, and in 1893 it officially obtained the title of municipality.
A Village of Traditions and Innovations
Today, Santa Maria della Versa presents itself as an orderly and peaceful village, immersed in the quietness of the valley floor. However, behind this apparent serenity lies a fervour of activity on the surrounding hills, where countless varieties of grapes are cultivated with passion and dedication. These grape varieties, cared for by generations of winegrowers, produce prized grapes that, during the harvest, are transformed into wines of excellent quality. This is precisely why Santa Maria della Versa is known as the ‘pinot capital‘ or ‘capital of sparkling wine‘, a title that celebrates the richness and variety of its oenological products.
The Sparkling Wine Capital
The village is renowned for the production of high quality sparkling wines, mainly due to the presence of a large winery that, for over a century, has been transforming Pinot Noir into a lively sparkling wine with a dry, fresh and superb taste. This sparkling wine, celebrated and appreciated far beyond the local borders, represents the excellence of the territory and the mastery of its producers.
The Art of Distillation
Alongside wine production, Santa Maria della Versa also boasts a tradition in distillation. The marc, the residue from the pressing of grapes, is transformed into high-quality grappa thanks to the skill of local artisans. The village distillery, located next to the winery, is famous for its distillates, which complete the area‘s oenological offerings.
An Enogastronomic Itinerary
Visiting Santa Maria della Versa means embarking on a rich and varied food and wine journey. In addition to fine wines and spirits, the village offers the opportunity to savour a wide range of typical local products. Cheeses, cured meats, sweets and biscuits represent the culinary delights that visitors can enjoy, discovering the authentic and genuine flavours of this land.
