Local Economy

Canale can be considered an accurate barometer of the prevalently agricultural economy of the Roero region.

Towards the beginning of the 20th century, the local economy underwent an important modification: that of the introduction of modern peach orchards, cultivated intensively. The effect of this change cannot be underestimated in the context of a traditional rural society.

During the last few decades, the entire Roero area, and Canale with it, has enjoyed an economic revival. A new and modern fruit and vegetable market has been built in recent years at the heart of the town which most of the local growers, organised in agricultural consortiums, use for sale of their produce.

Together with the very lively commercial environment of Canale, the local economy also boasts many up-to-date farms, which in recent years have systematically modernised methods of agriculture and specialised in the production of various local specialities and produce of the highest quality.

Vine growing has also undergone a revolution, gaining ground on fruit cultivation. The local white wine Arneis has earned itself international recognition. This is a native vine grown in the Roero area at least since the 15th century.

Also of high quality is the other great local DOC red wine, Roero, made from Nebbiolo grapes with the addition of a small amount of Arneis. Other wines produced in the area are: Barbera, Birbet, Favorita and Bonarda, all traditionally present in the Roero wine pantheon.