
Piedmontese Wine Italy
Learn about Piedmontese wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
Set upon a backdrop of the visually stunning Alps, the enchanting and rolling hills of Piedmont are the source of some of the country’s longest-lived and most sought-after wines. Vineyards cover a great majority of the land area—especially in Barolo—with the most prized sites at the top hilltops or on south-facing slopes where sunlight exposure is maximized. Piedmont has a continental climate with hot, humid summers leading to cold winters and precipitation year-round. The reliable autumnal fog provides a cooling effect, especially beneficial for Nebbiolo, Piedmont’s most prestigious variety.
In fact, Nebbiolo is named exactly for the arrival of this pre-harvest fog (called “nebbia” in Italian), which prolongs cluster hang time and allows full phenolic balance and ripeness. Harvest of Nebbiolo is last among Piedmont's varieties, occurring sometime in October. This grape is responsible for the exalted wines of Barbaresco and Barolo, known for their ageability, firm tannins and hallmark aromas of tar and roses. Nebbiolo wines, despite their pale hue, pack a pleasing punch of flavor and structure; the best examples can require about a decade’s wait before they become approachable. Barbaresco tends to be more elegant in style while Barolo is more powerful. Across the Tanaro River, the Roero region, and farther north, the regions of Gattinara and Ghemme, also produce excellent quality Nebbiolo.
Easy-going Barbera is the most planted grape in Piedmont, beloved for its trademark high acidity, low tannin and juicy red fruit. Dolcetto, Piedmont’s other important red grape, is usually ready within a couple of years of release.
White wines, while less ubiquitous here, should not be missed. Key varieties include Arneis, Cortese, Timorasso, Erbaluce and the sweet, charming Muscat, responsible for the brilliantly recognizable, Moscato d'Asti.
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Prinsi Barbaresco Gaia Principe 2016Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Bricco Ambrogio 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2016Nebbiolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Prapo 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Luigi Einaudi Barolo Cannubi 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2016Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Ceretto Barbaresco 2016Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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