Ok, we’re going to admit it. We are infatuated with the wines of Piedmont. There is a purity and elegance about them that is irresistible. Situated in the northwest of Italy, Piedmont shares borders with France and Switzerland. The region’s Italian name, Piemonte, translates to the foot of the mountains, which is a fitting descriptor for its splendid subalpine location and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains on three sides. For zesty whites and age-worthy reds, look no further than Italy’s Piedmont region.
There are two major features affecting the weather in Piedmont: the ice-cold Alps and the warm Mediterranean. On a crisp winter day, you can see the snow-capped Mont Blanc from its vineyards, and the temperature variation makes the whole area fill up with morning fog that slowly burns off during the day. This = happy grapes = great wine.
As a wine region, Piedmont has had enormous success cultivating its own indigenous varieties - a region steeped in tradition. It’s never really given in to the temptation of planting international varieties regardless of the fashion of the moment. The region is renowned for its red wines made from Nebbiolo, the grape variety that makes the glorious wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Although Nebbiolo is the region’s claim to fame, Barbera is actually the most widely planted grape variety in all of Piedmont, creating easy-drinking wines that pair beautifully with all things Italian. Dolcetto is also a major player in the Alba area, known for its generous fruit and low tannins. For white wine, Piedmont is best known for its Arneis, coming from Roero, and Cortese, which creates the famed wines of Gavi. All of which are almost always bottled as 100 percent single variety wines, making the wines of Piedmont a true and pure expression of place and time. Whether young, drink now Barbera or lay-down in the cellar for 20 years Barolo is more your style, you’ll find it here in Italy’s crown jewel of the north. Here’s a quick run-down of some its most notable areas:
Barolo
Piedmont’s most famous red wine is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes. These powerful, age-worthy wines are built to stand the test of time, known for their ethereal qualities with flavors of rose, small red berries, and leather. The perfect companion for white truffles, Piedmont’s other claim to fame.
Barbaresco
Also crafted from 100 percent Nebbiolo, these expressions tend to be more floral and less tannic than the wines of Barolo but every bit as age-worthy.
Roero
Roero’s abundant hills are best known for their Nebbiolo and Arneis production, generally meant to be consumed in their youth. Nebbiolo wines are every bit as intense and structured as Barolo (but usually at a fraction of the price). This tends to surprise people who’ve only had Nebbiolo from Barolo and yet to discover the incredible value proposition in Roero.
Gavi
Produced from the Cortese grape. The wines of Gavi are popular for a reason, they tend to be dry and delicate but offer abundant floral, citrus, and almond notes. Elegant and yet generous in their youth.
Our Favorite Piedmont Producers
We believe that great wine is crafted by the hands of exceptional winemakers. The producers below have been carefully curated after many trips to Piedmont, just for you.
The Rising Stars
The next generation starts of the region, by no means without history and tradition but these young winemakers make us think; impressive and influential.
- Roagna
The Insiders
Up and coming small producers just for you; our personal recommendations.
Notable appellations, mountain-influenced microclimates, and complex, layered bottles that withstand the test of time make Piedmont one of Italy’s most significant wine-producing regions, as well as one of our go-tos. Discover our favorite Piedmont wines.
