Provinces: Turin, Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo,
Novara, Verbania, Vercelli
Piedmont is a stronghold of tradition, renowned for wines
from native varieties grown in vineyards that have been
cultivated with devotion for centuries.
The region’s
most admired wines are the aristocratic red Barolo and
Barbaresco, both from the ancient Nebbiolo vine which
is also the source of the northern Piedmontese reds of
Gattinara, Ghemme and Carema. Dolcetto is appreciated
as a rich, mellow red for every day.
But the variety
most dramatically on the rise is Barbera, whose vines
cover half of the region’s vineyards. Long considered
a commoner, the new Barbera has been accepted as a noble
with the potential to far surpass Nebbiolo wines in volume.
Light red Grignolino and Freisa remain more than local
curiosities, as does the sweet Brachetto d’Acqui.
Among whites, the pride of Piedmont is sparkling Asti,
from the Moscato grape, the world’s most popular
sweet sparkling wine, though the gently bubbly Moscato
d’Asti is adored locally. The native varieties
of Arneis, from the Roero hills, and Cortese, at its
best from Gavi, make admired dry whites.
Piedmont’s
49 D.O.C./D.O.C.G. zones, including the comprehensive
Piemonte appellation, are the most of any region.
Useful contacts:
Regione Piemonte - Assessorato Agricoltura - Corso Stati
Uniti, 21 - 10126 Torino - Tel.: 0039 011 432 11 http://www.regione.piemonte.it
Movimento del Turismo del Vino - Consorzio Langhe-Monferrato-Roero
- Piazza Porta Avene, 3- Mango (CN) - Tel.: 0039 0141
896 72 - http://www.wineday.org |
