Piedmont wines
Piedmont is one of Italy's most refined wine regions, known for iconic red wines like Barolo and Barbaresco , as well as crisp whites, aromatic dessert wines, and elegant sparkling wines. The region combines chalky hills, cool nights, and centuries-old winemaking traditions, giving both red and white wines a distinctive character and great finesse.
Piedmont is one of Italy's most refined wine regions, known for iconic red wines like Barolo and Barbaresco , as well as crisp whites, aromatic dessert wines, and elegant sparkling wines.
Read moreWhat are Piedmont wines?
Piedmont wines are wines from the Piedmont region in northern Italy. They are made from indigenous grapes such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Arneis, and Moscato. The region is particularly renowned for structured red wines with great depth, but also for lively white wines, sweet aromatic specialties, and refined sparkling wines. The combination of grape variety, origin, and strict DOC/DOCG regulations forms the basis for Piedmont's recognizable quality.
Origin and vineyards
Piedmont lies at the foot of the Alps and enjoys a unique climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights. This ensures optimal ripening and retention of acidity. The hills of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are the heart of the winegrowing region, with soils of calcareous marl, sand, and clay that create tension and complexity.
Important areas within Piedmont are:
- Asti and Alba – source of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and top wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Asti is of course also known for Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante.
- Roero – known for Arneis and elegant Nebbiolo.
- Monferrato – important for Barbera d'Asti and fresh white wines.
- Gavi – famous for mineral Cortese wines.
These regions together provide a complete palette of styles: from powerful and robust to aromatic and refined.
Styles and vinification
Piedmont produces all the major wine styles: red, white, dessert and sparkling, each with its own tradition and vinification method.
Red wines
Red Piedmont wines have a pronounced structure, lively acidity and a characteristic aroma.
- Nebbiolo – the basis for Barolo and Barbaresco, light in colour but powerful in taste.
- Barbera – juicy and fruit-driven with crisp acidity, often with a profile reminiscent of dark cherry yogurt.
- Dolcetto – soft, round and accessible.
These wines are often aged in large Slavonian oak barrels or French barriques, depending on the style.
White wines
Piedmont is also known for fresh and aromatic white wines.
- Cortese (Gavi DOCG) – clean, mineral and refreshing.
- Arneis – aromatic, soft and elegant.
But also white strong wines such as:
- Chardonnay and Timorasso (also called the white Barolo)
The white wines are usually vinified in stainless steel to preserve their freshness.
Dessert wines
The region is famous for sweet, lightly sparkling wines with low alcohol.
- Moscato d'Asti – aromatic, softly sweet and slightly sparkling.
- Asti Spumante – full of sparkle, sweet and fruity.
These wines are made using a cold, partial fermentation to preserve the natural grape aromas.
Sparkling wines
In addition to Asti, Piemonte also produces elegant dry bubbles.
- Alta Langa DOCG – premium sparkling from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay via the classic méthode traditionnelle.
- Asti Spumante – sweet and aromatic.
Alta Langa is one of Italy's most refined sparkling wines.
Storage and serving
Red Piedmontese wines like Barbera and Dolcetto are generally best enjoyed within five to eight years. Barolo and Barbaresco have enormous aging potential and develop over decades. White wines like Gavi and Arneis are best enjoyed young, within two to four years. Dessert wines like Moscato d'Asti are meant to be enjoyed young for maximum freshness. Alta Langa and other sparkling wines are best enjoyed at 8–10 degrees Celsius; red wines at 16–18 degrees Celsius.
Buy Piedmont wines at Perfectewijn.nl
At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Piedmont wines in every style: powerful red Nebbiolo, fruity Barbera, fresh Gavi, aromatic Moscato d'Asti, and elegant sparkling wines from Alta Langa. Each wine is selected for its authenticity and regional expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Piedmont known for?
Piedmont is especially famous for Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Gavi and Moscato d'Asti.
Which grapes are used in Piedmont?
Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Arneis, Moscato and increasingly Chardonnay.
What is the style of Piemonte red wine?
Red Piedmont wines combine vibrant acidity with structure and complex aromas, ranging from elegant to powerful.
What is the most famous white wine from Piedmont?
Gavi DOCG, made from Cortese, is known for its mineral and fresh style.
Which Piedmont wine is sweet and slightly sparkling?
Moscato d'Asti is a softly sweet, slightly sparkling specialty with a low alcohol content.