Piedmont and its wines

The Piedmont is one of the most prestigious wine regions in Italy and in the world, famous for its structured, elegant red wines, including the Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the grape variety Nebbiolo. The region, located in north-west Italy, enjoys a climate that is continental with wide temperature swings, complex soils and gentle hills that create a perfect terroir for wines of great longevity and finesse.

Besides the great reds, Piedmont is also known for its aromatic whites, such as Gavi and Arneis, and for the high-quality sparkling wines, including theAsti Spumante and the traditional method of Alta Langa.

What is the Piedmont wine district?

Piedmont is divided into several DOCG e DOC, with a strong focus on quality and on showcasing indigenous grape varieties. The main appellations include:

• Barolo DOCG → The king of Italian wines, Nebbiolo as a single variety, tannic and long-lived.
• Barbaresco DOCG → Nebbiolo that is more elegant and approachable than Barolo.
• Asti DOCG → Aromatic sparkling wine from Moscato Bianco.
• Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG → Nebbiolo from Alto Piemonte, mineral and refined.
• Gavi DOCG → Fresh, savoury white from Cortese.
• Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG → Fruity, easy-drinking red wine.

The Great Wine Areas of Piedmont

1. Langhe and Roero

• Main grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis.
• Style: Powerful, structured reds, mineral and fresh whites.
• Famous appellations: Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, Roero DOCG.

2. Monferrato and the Asti Area

• Main grape varieties: Barbera, Moscato Bianco, Grignolino.
• Style: Soft, fruity reds, aromatic sparkling wines.
• Famous appellations: Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Nizza DOCG, Asti DOCG.

3. Alto Piemonte

• Main grape varieties: Nebbiolo (Spanna), Vespolina, Uva Rara.
• Style: A fresher, more mineral Nebbiolo than in the Langhe.
• Famous appellations: Gattinara DOCG, Ghemme DOCG, Boca DOC.

4. Gavi and Colli Tortonesi

• Main grape varieties: Cortese, Timorasso.
• Style: Elegant, savoury whites.
• Famous appellations: Gavi DOCG, Colli Tortonesi Timorasso DOC.

5. Alta Langa

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Nero, Chardonnay.
• Style: Complex, refined Metodo Classico sparkling wines.
• Famous appellations: Alta Langa DOCG.

Characteristics of the Wines of Piedmont

Colour

• Reds: Ruby red with garnet shades in the aged Nebbiolo wines.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights in the Gavi and Arneis.
• Sparkling wines: Bright yellow with a fine, persistent perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, plum, wild strawberry in the reds; citrus and apple in the whites.
• Floral: Rose and violet in the Nebbiolo wines; white flowers in the Gavi and Moscato wines.
• Spicy and Mineral: Black pepper, liquorice, tobacco in the aged reds; flint in the whites.

Palate

• Structured and Tannic: In the great Nebbiolos such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
• Fresh and Mineral: In whites such as Gavi and Timorasso.
• Sweet and Aromatic: In the Moscato wines and the passito wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Piedmont

Black Grape Varieties

• Nebbiolo: The king of the region, structured and complex.
• Barbera: Fruity and versatile, perfect for everyday drinking.
• Dolcetto: Soft and easy-drinking, with notes of red fruits.
• Grignolino: Elegant and spicy, typical of the Monferrato.

White Grape Varieties

• Cortese: Used for Gavi, fresh and savoury.
• Arneis: Perfumed and mineral, typical of the Roero.
• Moscato Bianco: Aromatic and sweet, the base for Asti and Moscato d'Asti.
• Timorasso: Structured and long-lived, one of the finest white expressions of Piedmont.

Why Choose a Wine from Piedmont?

A wine from the Piedmont is synonymous with refinement and tradition, perfect for accompanying braised meat, truffles, aged cheeses and dishes of Piedmontese cooking. From great ageing reds to mineral whites and traditional method sparkling wines, Piedmont offers a wide range of wines suited to every occasion.