The 15th century, especially the second half of it, was a century of peace and stability. Economic conditions improved, land that had lain fallow was tilled, roads were upgraded, castles and houses were built (the most famous being the splendid castle at Briona).
A vineyard near Novara
in the 17th century
The hills were covered with vines, as we know from the famous historian Paolo Giovio’s description. In the early 16th century, he wrote: “…hills planted with trees and vines form a continuous line when approaching the Sesia from Novara”. He was writing about the clashes between French and Spanish troops in the area, when the famous “stainless, fearless knight”, Baiardo, met his demise.
Meanwhile, many noble families from Novara and Milan were beginning to purchase fields and vineyards, lured by the great demand for wine. Vespolina was especially popular and greatly appreciated at the court of the Visconti and the Sforza, who ordered large quantities of the wine for the ducal wine-cellars.
Another admirer of local wines in the early 16th century, was Cardinal Mercurino Arborio of Gattinara (1465-1530), the immensely powerful Grand Chancellor of Emperor Charles V, Marquis of Gattinara and Romagnano, Count of Valenza and Sartirana, Lord of Borgomanero, Ghemme, Carpignano and Biandrate.
Barrels in a 16th-century fresco
Thanks to him, the names of these towns rose to prominence in Europe.
When Lombardy was under Spanish rule, the Governor of Milan kept himself supplied with wine from the Novara Hills, and had it delivered in large quantities to the cellars of what is now the Royal Palace. Not only the governor but the Milan nobility and the most reputable inns of the city competed with each other to offer their guests and friends the wine from Novara, regarded as the best in the kingdom.
The banks of the River Sesia in 1700
On 25 April, 1789, Novara was the setting for the marriage of Maria Theresa of Austria-Este, daughter of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, to Victor Emmanuel, Duke of Aosta and future king of Italy. By now Novara was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the bride was adding ‘Queen of Sardinia’ to her titles. Again, wine from the Novara Hills was used to propose the toasts at this splendid event.
