ALBEISA
THE PROJECT
The Origins
Unique and artisanal, the Albeisa bottle was born in the 1700s. Desired by local producers, forged by ancient master glassmakers.
The story of this bottle began in the 18th century, when winemakers from the Alba area sought a unique and distinctive container for their wines—something that would elevate them to the same prestige as the renowned Burgundy and Bordeaux bottles from across the Alps. The ambitious project was entrusted to the skilled hands of the master glassmakers at the historic Poirino Glassworks, who crafted its shape and defined its recognizable shoulder. Handmade, one by one, the bottle quickly became an elegant feature on the tables of the nobility and bourgeoisie, fueling its fame and widespread use. However, the rise of industrial glass production soon took over, making manufacturing cheaper and on a larger scale, benefiting the emerging European industries. As a result, within a few decades, the original Albeisa bottle lost prominence on the market and faded into local memory.
The Rebirth
From an iconic shape to a symbol of the region, the Albeisa bottle is reborn: refined, modern, and regulated
It was in 1973 that, thanks to the vision of 16 producers from Alba, inspired by the forward-thinking Renato Ratti, the ALBEISA bottle was reproduced and officially regulated through a specific Statute—something never before implemented to govern and control the use of a wine container. The innovation, unique in its kind, was not simply the revival of an old bottle, but the bold decision to tie it to a territory and regulate its use exclusively within that territory. The 1973 version clearly displays its name, embossed four times around the shoulder of the bottle so it can be recognized from any angle. Its use is protected by the “Association of Producers of Alba,” which authorizes its application and provides detailed guidelines on the grape varieties and DOC/DOCG wines it may contain. It represents a strong and direct connection between what the Langhe region produces and the container that carries those wines to the world.
Albeisa Today
Craftsmanship and global vision are the secret behind a modern bottle, refined through artistry and sustainability.
This visionary project is increasingly embraced by local wineries, who choose to dress their wines with this regional symbol, making them instantly recognizable. Today, the bold initiative includes around 300 producers of fine wines, who export nearly 18 million bottles to tables all over the world. Unique in Italy and renowned internationally, the Albeisa bottle is undoubtedly a shining example of the ingenuity, tradition, and foresight of the winemakers of Alba—who have succeeded in adding a precious element to the terroir of Langa and Roero.
Albeisa Light
Stronger on the market, lighter on the environment.
Since 2007, Albeisa has also been produced in a “light” version, weighing approximately 30% less than the traditional model. This was a choice embraced with growing conviction by producers: from 1 million units in 2007 to over 5 million lightweight Albeisa bottles used each year today. This shift has led to a significant reduction in energy and raw material consumption, a notable decrease in CO₂ emissions, and a sharp drop in waste—estimated at over 8 million kilograms of glass saved since its market launch.
Global Sustainability
Environmental protection and awareness — the values of the Albeisa world.
In this spirit, the idea of the “Albeisa Forest” was born in 2013, marking the 40th anniversary of Albeisa and sending a strong, distinctive message of environmental commitment. The project consists of a reforestation effort in Bore, Kenya — a region severely affected by socio-economic hardship and decades of intense deforestation. Through the planting of over 4,000 tall trees, the local population has been able to create a sustainable area that provides jobs, supports the community, and contributes a new “lung” to the Earth’s oxygen cycle. The Albeisa Forest can be monitored thanks to the support of Tree-Nation, the organization that helped make this project a reality.
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