Piedmont wine region is located in the northwest corner of Italy. The region is one of the most important wine producer regions of the country and it is well-known for Barolo and Barbaresco wine production. Besides the high reputation in wine production, there is much more to discover in the Piedmont wine region. Turin’s flourishing scene of modern art and electronic music finished with sublime alpine hiking trails, rural towns and valleys that may offer Italy’s best reds and white truffles.
Piedmont – “At the foot of the mountains”
Name of the region has medieval latin origins. “ad pedem montium” meaning “at the foot of the mountains”.
The area between the foothills of the Alps and the Apennines is undoubtedly one of the important winegrowing regions not only Italy but also in the world. The Piedmont wine region has borders with Liguria and Lombardy in Italy, while from the north-west, Alps creates natural border with the Provence region in France. The popularity of the region is ensured by the variety Nebbiolo, from which the wines Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero are produced. But Barbera, the white Cortese di Gavi, Arneis and, to a lesser extent, the dessert wine Moscato d’Asti also contribute to fame.
Barolo – The kind of wines
The famous Barolo wine is named after the village about 15 kilometres southwest of Alba. The traditional style has taken a back seat for several years as its wines take an average of more than 10 years to release aromas of dark berries and spicy notes, and the mighty tannin structure gradually begins to broaden. The modern Barolos, which are mostly matured in oak barrels and show fewer tannins due to a significantly lower maceration time, can be enjoyed after the release of the vintage, even though they can still be in the cellar for more than 15 years.
Other Piedmont wines
The Barbaresco is made from the same variety, but due to warmer temperatures and slightly different soils, it does not come quite as dense as its big brother but instead shows more elegance in the glass.
However, the most cultivated variety is Barbera, from which lighter, fruity wine is produced. But also, the fine fruity, relatively low-acid Dolcetto(“Little Sweet One”) delivers very good qualities.
In the case of white wines, the Gavi is number one. Here, the Cortese di Gavi variety produces delicate, flowery plants, while the Arneis is more likely to have a fruity-spicy, honey-like bouquet.
Grape varieties that guaranties the distinctiveness of Piedmont wines
Piedmontese wines are of their own character, as many of the local grapes are either not grown in other parts of Italy or play a comparable qualitative role there. This applies to the Nebbiolo, the Grignolino, Dolcetto, Cortese and even the Barbera does not quite play the role in the rest of Italy as in Piedmont. Piedmont, rich in wines, also has Italy’s best-known sweet wine. It is the Asti Spumante, which is produced in large quantities from the Moscato grape in the area south of Asti.
Where are the best vineyards of Piedmont?
Piedmont wine region stretches between the Alps from the north and Apennines from the south. These two mountain ranges have a significant role in the viticulture of the region. They are responsible for the
favorable climate and terroir, which produces significantly high-quality wines. The Apennines form a hilly landscape in the south and this is exactly where the best vineyards of Piedmont are located on calcareous marl or poor sandstone soils.