Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is one of the most important wine regions in the country. It is particularly known for its production of high quality red wines, especially of the Nebbiolo variety. The region boasts a varied landscape of fertile valleys and hilly terrain, providing ideal conditions for growing grapes.
Typical wines of the Piedmont region
Barolo
Variety: Nebbiolo
Characteristics: Barolo, often referred to as "the king of wines and the wine of kings", is known for its strong tannins, high acidity and complex aromas including rose, tar, cherry, liquorice and sometimes truffle. It has a great potential for ageing, allowing its flavour profile to develop and mellow over time.
Area: the best vineyards are located in the municipalities of Barolo, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto.
Barbaresco
Variety: Nebbiolo
Characteristic: Barbaresco is often considered the younger brother of Barolo. It is slightly smoother, with lighter tannins and more elegance. It has similar aromas to Barolo, but is more approachable at a younger age.
Area.
Barbera
Variety: Barbera
Characteristic: Barbera is one of the most widespread varieties in Piedmont. It produces wines with high acidity, low tannins and flavours of red fruits such as cherries and plums. Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba are the two main denominations.
Alba and Asti.
Dolcetto
Variety: Dolcetto
Characteristic: Dolcetto produces lighter red wines with fine tannins, lower acidity and dark fruit flavours. It is often consumed young.
Region: Dolcetto di Dogliani, Dolcetto d'Alba and Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba are the main denominations.
Moscato d'Asti
Variety: Moscato Bianco
Characteristic: This sweet, sparkling white wine is known for its low alcoholic strength and intense aromas of flowers and peaches. It is a popular dessert wine.
Area.
The most important Piemonte winemakers
There are a large number of excellent winemakers in Piedmont, but if we were to name just a few, we shouldn't forget these big names:
Angelo Gaja is one of the most important and influential winemakers in Piedmont. He is known for his innovation and production of high quality wines, especially Barbaresco. His winery also produces other important wines such as Costa Russi, Sori Tildin and Sperss.
Giuseppe Rinaldi is a radical producer of high quality Barolo wines who is known for his dedication to classic methods and terroir.
The Vietti winery is known for its wide range of wines, including Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Vietti is also one of the pioneers of unique wines such as Barolo Riserva Villero.
Paolo Scavino is a family-owned winery specializing in Barolo. It is known for the precision and quality of the wines produced, which include various cru (uniquely defined vineyards) such as Cannubi, Bric del Fiasc and Rocche dell'Annunziata.
Bruno Giacosais another prominent winemaker, known for his production of exceptional Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Giacosa's wines are prized for their elegance and complexity.
The wine regions of Piemonte
Piedmont is divided into several key wine regions:
Langhe: Home to the most prestigious wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. This area is characterised by a hilly landscape with a unique terroir.
Monferrato: Known for producing Barbera and Dolcetta. Monferrato is also an area for the production of sparkling wines, including Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti
Roero: This area, located north of the Tanaro River, is known for its production of Roero Arneis white wine and Roero red wine, produced from Nebbiola.
Climate and terroir
Piedmont has a continental climate with cool winters and warm summers. The terroir of Piemonte is very diverse, ranging from sandy soils in Roero to clay and limestone soils in Langhe and Monferrato. These conditions are ideal for growing grapes and contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the region's wines.
Piemonte is a region with a rich wine-growing tradition and a wide range of high-quality wines. From the powerful and complex Barolo and Barbaresco to the fresh and fruity wines of Barbera and Dolcetta. In short, Piemonte offers something for every wine lover. Prominent winemakers such as Gaja and Rinaldi contribute to the region's reputation as one of the best wine regions in the world. If you're looking for wines with rich history, complexity and aging ability, Piemonte should be on your priority list.
