Piedmont

Piedmont Wine: One of Italy's most important wine-producing regions at Ritschard Wines

Introduction: The history and influences of Piedmontese winemaking

Located between the foothills of the Alps and the Apennines in northwestern Italy, Piedmont is one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the world, on a par with Tuscany when it comes to the production of fine Italian wines. Piedmont's wine culture has a long history dating back to the Romans.

In the modern era, Piedmontese wines have also been influenced by French winemakers and oenologists, earning the region the nickname ‘Italian Burgundy’. Piedmont's wine production is characterised not only by small, family-run wineries but also by traditional methods and minimal yields.

The importance of Piedmont for the wine world

With almost 50,000 hectares under cultivation and a wide variety of DOC and DOCG wines, Piedmont is one of Italy's most important wine regions. The region is not only home to some of the world's best red wines, but also offers an impressive variety of white and sparkling wines. Angelo Gaja, a famous Piedmontese winemaker, has contributed significantly to the international recognition of Piedmontese wines with his high-quality Barolos and other wines. Reflecting the terroir and tradition of the region, Piedmontese wines are a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

The Piedmont wine region: geography and climate

Piedmont, which means ‘land at the foot of the mountains’, extends between the Alps in the north and the Apennines in the south. The wine-growing areas of this region benefit from a temperate continental climate, influenced by the surrounding mountains. This geographical location protects the vines from excessive heat, while the cool nights and warm days allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The vineyards of Piedmont are often steep and terraced, making wine production challenging.

The soils of the Piedmont wine-growing areas, which mainly consist of sand, clay and calcareous marl, also contribute to the complexity and quality of the wines. In particular, the sandy soils in the Langhe region are ideal for the Nebbiolo grapes used in the famous Barolo wines.

Barolo and Barbaresco: the kings of red wines

Nebbiolo grapes – the essence of Barolo

The tannin-rich and late-ripening Nebbiolo grape only reaches full maturity in Piedmont. The legendary red wines Barolo and Barbaresco, named after their respective villages of origin, are made from this indigenous grape variety. Barolo is known for its fruity intensity, power and dense tannin structure, while Barbaresco impresses with its elegance, delicacy and silky texture.

Many wine lovers and connoisseurs consider these wines to be the only Italian wines that truly make it into the ranks of world-class wines – and rightly so. Despite numerous attempts to cultivate the Nebbiolo grape in other parts of the world and to produce outstanding wines from it, Piedmont (mainly with Barolo, Barbera and Castiglione Falletto) remains the only place where this grape variety can develop its impressive quality. Similar to the Pinot Noir from Burgundy, the Syrah from the Rhone, the Sangiovese from Tuscany, the Tempranillo from Spain or the Riesling from Germany, the Nebbiolo is extremely sensitive to the terroir.

Nebbiolo wines are high in acidity and tannin. They have pronounced aromas of red fruits such as red cherry and red plum, as well as notes of dried herbs and sometimes floral notes such as rose or violet.

Nebbiolo wines are often aged in oak for an extended period of time to soften their tannins. Some producers use old oak barrels for this purpose, while others opt for new oak barrels to give their wines aromas of new oak. Nebbiolo's high acidity and tannin content means that wines often improve with bottle age. Over time, the best examples take on complex tertiary aromas of mushrooms, tobacco and leather.

Nebbiolo is the only authorised grape variety in the DOCG Barolo, perhaps the most famous wine of the Piedmont region in north-west Italy. The Barolo region is a horseshoe-shaped valley with steep, south-facing vineyards. The wines are typically full-bodied with pronounced aromas, high tannin and acidity levels and great ageing potential. The smaller region DOCG Barbaresco is located northeast of the DOCG Barolo. It produces similarly powerful and long-lasting Nebbiolo wines.

The special feature of Nebbiolo is its ability to reflect the different mineral properties of the soils in Piedmont. From village to village, depending on the orientation of the vineyards and the specific mineral content of the soil, the character of the wine can vary greatly. This results in wines that are masculine and tannic (as with Bruno Giacosa, Bruno Rocca, Poderi Colla or Luigi Pira), fruity and Burgundian (as with the Sandrone or Scavino estates) or soft and feminine (as with Altare).

Experienced Barolistas, connoisseurs of Barolo wines, can often tell just by tasting which village, area and vineyard the wine comes from – a fascinating skill that underlines the deep connection between Nebbiolo and its unique Piedmont terroir. The choice of village and specific cru is of crucial importance in Piedmont, and even more so than in many other top wine regions around the world.

Barbera and other excellent red wines: the diverse wine landscape of Piedmont

In addition to the famous Nebbiolo wines, the Barbera grape plays an equally important role in the Piedmont wine landscape. Barbera d'Asti, a pure DOCG wine, is considered a cheaper but still high-quality alternative to the well-known Barolo and Barbaresco. With its intense dark fruit notes, lively acidity and fine tannins, Barbera d'Asti has won over many wine lovers. The Barbera d'Asti growing area in particular has a reputation for producing the best Barbera wines.

Wines made from the Barbera grape are characterised by aromas of black and sour cherries, chocolate, vanilla and occasionally a hint of pepper. They have a velvety viscosity, immense fruit and a lively yet mild acidity, which makes them full-bodied, dark wines.

While many Barbera wines are fruity and free of oak notes, in the valleys of Barolo and Barbaresco they show a more straightforward and structured side. These wines are called Barbera d'Alba. In the direction of Asti, however, the Barbera d'Asti becomes more opulent, richer and almost luxurious in flavour. Braida is an outstanding producer here, having managed to lead the Barbera grape into the league of world-class wines.

Barbera, Dolcetto and Grignolino: insights into the red wine diversity of Piedmont

Due to their naturally lower tannin content, Barbera wines should generally be enjoyed younger than their Nebbiolo counterparts. While very good Barbera wines can certainly age, they generally have less ageing potential than Nebbiolo wines. Nevertheless, they offer an excellent wine with character that is perfect for everyday enjoyment.

An ideal companion to pasta is Dolcetto, which impresses with its red fruit aromas, aromatic fragrance and seductive lightness. Despite its name, Dolcetto is a completely dry wine that is convincing in every respect.

In addition to Dolcetto d'Alba, Grignolino d'Asti is also an interesting red wine from Piedmont. Both wines, with their individual characters, contribute to the impressive wine diversity of this region and offer wine lovers exciting alternatives to the better-known Nebbiolo and Barbera wines.

White and sparkling wines: the sparkling insider tips

Although Piedmont is best known for its red wines, it also produces remarkable white and sparkling wines. Arneis, often referred to as ‘Barolo bianco’, is one of the most sought-after Italian white wines and is made from the indigenous Arneis grape variety. Equally noteworthy is Gavi, a mineral-rich white wine made from the Cortese grape.

Among the sparkling specialities of the region is the Moscato d'Asti, a sweet DOCG sparkling wine characterised by its aromatic bouquet and delicate fruit flavours. Together with the Asti Spumante and the red Frizzante from the Freisa grape, the Moscato d'Asti is a special discovery for lovers of sparkling wines.

To produce this sparkling, low-alcohol sweet wine, a special method of tank fermentation is often used, known as the Asti method. This method is popular all over the world for producing wines in a similar style.

The starting point of this method is not a dry base wine. Instead, grape juice is placed in a pressurised tank with yeast and allowed to ferment. Initially, the CO2 is allowed to escape, but in the middle of the fermentation, the tank is sealed so that the CO2 is retained and bubbles are created. The fermentation is stopped by filtering out the yeast before all the sugar has been converted into alcohol.

The DOCG and DOC areas in Piedmont

The DOCG areas in Piedmont

Piedmont has 18 DOCG areas, which produce a wide range of excellent wines. Among the most famous are Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape, and Barbera d'Asti and Barbera del Monferrato Superiore, which offer powerful red wines. Other notable areas include Gavi, a refreshing white wine, Asti, known for its sweet sparkling wine, and Brachetto d'Acqui, an aromatic dessert wine. The lesser-known but equally high-quality regions such as Roero, Gattinara, Ghemme, Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato, Alta Langa, Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba, Dolcetto di Dogliani, Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore and Erbaluce di Caluso also contribute to the diversity of Piedmont's wine culture.

The DOC areas in Piedmont

Piedmont has no fewer than 42 DOC areas. Among the best known are Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba and Nebbiolo d'Alba, which are produced in the Alba region. Other excellent wines are produced in Monferrato and its sub-regions, such as Barbera del Monferrato, Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese and Rubino di Cantavenna, as well as in the Langhe, Canavese and Colli Tortonesi areas. Wines from lesser-known but characterful DOC areas such as Boca, Carema, Loazzolo, Verduno Pelaverga and Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco also contribute to the diversity of Piedmont's wine landscape.

Culinary delights in Piedmont: a paradise for gourmets and wine lovers

Piedmont, located in northwestern Italy, is a region known for its breathtaking scenery, impressive wine culture and outstanding cuisine. This region, nestled between the foothills of the Alps and the fertile plains of the Po Valley, offers a wealth of culinary treasures that will make any gourmet's heart beat faster.

Piedmont's culinary tradition

Piedmont is deeply rooted in its culinary tradition, which is characterised by incredible variety and quality. The region is famous for its world-class truffles, particularly the white Alba truffles, considered the best in the world. These precious fungi are sought in the woods around the town of Alba, in the heart of the Langhe, and are the centrepiece of many Piedmontese dishes.

One of the most famous combinations is taglierini pasta with white Alba truffles, accompanied by a glass of Barolo. This dish is considered the epitome of Piedmontese cuisine and combines the rich flavours of the truffles with the depth and complexity of the Barolo wine – a culinary highlight that represents the region at its best.

But Piedmont has much more to offer than just truffles. The region is also known for its delicious gianduja chocolate, a sweet speciality made from hazelnuts and cocoa that originated here. This combination of regional ingredients and traditional craftsmanship can be seen in the many confectioners and chocolatiers that offer their creations in cities like Turin.

In addition to its culinary delights, Piedmont is also a true paradise for wine lovers. The region is home to some of Italy's finest wines, including the world-famous Barolo and its more elegant relative, Barbaresco. Both wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape and are characterised by their deep, complex aromas and excellent structure. These wines are ideal to enjoy with the region's robust dishes, such as braised meat, game or mature cheese.

But Piedmont's wines are versatile and go well with a wide range of dishes. Barolo and Barbaresco not only harmonise perfectly with hearty meat dishes, but also with more delicate foods such as fish and even chocolate. This ability to adapt to different flavours makes Piedmont wines an excellent choice for almost any occasion.

Piedmont is a master at combining wine and food, and that is what makes the region so special. Here, fine wines and culinary delicacies go hand in hand, complementing each other in harmony. Whether it's a simple dish like a cheese plate or an elaborate feast, Piedmont's wines take the flavours of each dish to a new level, making every meal an unforgettable experience.

Piedmont is not only a paradise for wine lovers, but also for gourmets who appreciate the special combination of first-class wines and culinary delicacies. In this region, tradition and taste merge into an incomparable culinary experience that makes every visit a delight for the senses.

Frequently asked questions and their answers about Piedmont wines

What wines are produced in Piedmont?

The most famous wines from the Piedmont wine region are Barolo and Barbaresco, both of which are made from the Nebbiolo grape near the city of Alba. They are among the most important wines in Italy. However, as in Burgundy, choosing the right winemaker is crucial.

What is the name of the red wine from Piedmont?

Piedmont is best known for its outstanding red wines – Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera – which are undoubtedly among the best in the world. It is not for nothing that Barolo is considered the king of Italian red wines, while Barbaresco is considered the queen of these wines.

What is Piedmont known for?

Piedmont is world-famous for its culinary delicacies and exquisite pleasures. In addition to the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, the northern Italian region also offers other fine wines such as Gavi and Arneis. Particularly noteworthy is Angelo Gaja, who produces high-quality Barolos and other wines that are considered status symbols and significantly influence the international perception of Piedmont. The regional cuisine is characterised by its variety and the simplicity of its dishes, which are always based on fresh, local ingredients.

Which grapes are used to make Barolo?

Barolo wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape, with the Lampia, Michet and Rosé clones being permitted. The grapes are dark blue to grey-blue in colour and have a thick waxy coating. They have an elongated, pyramid-shaped form, consist of small, round berries and have a robust skin.

What is the name of the grape variety of the Italian red wine Barolo?

The Nebbiolo grape is the hallmark of Piedmont and forms the basis for the famous Barolo red wines. This demanding, late-ripening grape variety thrives particularly well in the hills of the Langhe, where it finds optimal conditions.

Which grape is used in Barbaresco?

Barbaresco wine is produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes in a small growing area around the municipality of the same name. Compared to its big brother Barolo, it has a shorter storage time, is smoother and fruitier, and thus combines elegance with a pleasant drinkability.

Which wine do you drink in Piedmont?

Here are some of the most outstanding wines from Piedmont:

Barolo: one of Italy's most prestigious and well-known wines, prized for its depth and complexity. Angelo Gaja produces some of the highest quality Barolos, which are considered status symbols and strongly influence the international perception of Piedmont.

Barbaresco: Also made from the Nebbiolo grape, Barbaresco is similar to Barolo, but is often more accessible and elegant.

Barbera d'Alba: The Barbera grape is another important grape variety in Piedmont, producing powerful and fruity wines.