Piedmont (627)

Quality from Piedmont in Large Quantities

About 90 percent of the wines from Piedmont are quality wines. This makes the selection as simple as it is exciting. You have to actively avoid making a poor choice. Thanks to the wide variety, Piedmont wine always has pleasant surprises for experienced connoisseurs.

Location and Structure of the Wine Region Piedmont

Piedmont is located in the northwest of Italy. To the north, the region borders Switzerland, to the east and south it borders Lombardy and Liguria, to the west it borders France, and to the northwest it borders the Aosta Valley. The wine region is divided into four sub-regions: L'Astigiano, Le Langhe, Il Monferrato, and Il Nord. Together, they make up about 30 percent of the total area in Piedmont. 

Geography and Climate in Piedmont

The geographical location as well as the climate in Piedmont are unique. To the north and west, the region is shielded by the Alps and limited to the south by the Apennines. While the icy cold Alps make viticulture impossible in many places to the north, the opposite is true for the foothills of the Apennines. Accordingly, the cultivation of vines is concentrated in the picturesque hilly southern part of the region. 

However, the climate here is also cooler than in other parts of Italy. The slightly lower temperatures, combined with the high number of sunshine hours, ensure that the wine grapes can optimally develop their aromatic potential in an extended ripening cycle. Another important factor for the cultivation conditions is the Po River. It is responsible for the frequent fog in Piedmont, which positively affects the ripening process of the wine. The ubiquitous fog is even immortalized in the name of the premium grape variety Nebbiolo.

Terroir in Piedmont

The varied terroir gives the wine from Piedmont its extraordinary range of flavors. Clay-rich soils that promote the development of a complex bouquet can be found alongside light sandy soils. On these, Nebbiolo thrives particularly well, leading to varietal red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.

The largest portion of the area consists of calcareous sandy soils, which in turn create excellent conditions for the Barbera grape. On this basis, strong red wines with low tannin content, fruity aromas, and deep ruby color are produced.

Wineries and Their Wines in Piedmont

Fontanafredda is a traditional winery from the sub-region Le Lange, which is often considered the heart of viticulture in Piedmont. Among its most popular products is the Serralunga d'Alba Barolo DOCG from Fontanafredda. This varietal dry red wine offers an authentic and representative insight into the unadulterated character of the Nebbiolo grape.

Outstanding varietal Nebbiolos from northern Piedmont are offered by the winery Antoniolo with its DOCG wine Gattinara. The Antoniolo family founded the winery in 1948 and is committed to a particularly nature-friendly cultivation of the wine. This philosophy is also felt in the wine cellars, where, for example, maceration occurs with indigenous yeasts. 

For genuine enjoyment of wines from the Barbera grape, the winery Villa Sparina is a good address. Their Montej Rosso Monferrato DOC originates from here. As an alternative for a more refined taste, the Rivalta Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG is recommended. When looking for a top-quality Dolcetto, you will find the Dolcetto d'Alba DOC from the winery Bruno Giacosa. The name Dolcetto literally means "the little sweet one," which is somewhat misleading. Dolcetto is a prime example of a dry variety with a finely balanced character. 

If you are interested in a very good dry red cuvée from Piedmont, the Luvi Langhe Rosso DOC by Paolo Manzone is a great choice. Lovers of sweeter flavors will find their preferred treat in the Serre Dolci Rosso from the winery Sartirano Figli.

That Piedmont offers not only world-renowned red wines but also exquisite white wines is proven among others by Bruno Giacosa with his Roero Arneis DOCG. With the Spumante Extra Brut Metodo Classico made from Pinot Noir, the winery also captivates fans of fine sparkling wines. This selection represents only a fraction of the popular wines from renowned wineries in Piedmont that you can find here at VINELLO. 

Interesting Facts About Piedmont

How much Piedmont wine is produced per year?

The total amount of wine from Piedmont amounts to 2.4 million to 2.5 million hectoliters per year, which corresponds to about 6 percent of Italy's annual wine production. 

How large is the vineyard area for wine in Piedmont?

The vineyard area of the wine region Piedmont is about 48,000 hectares or approximately 7 percent of the total vineyard area in Italy.

What are the most important grape varieties for red wine from Piedmont?

The three most important grapes for Piedmont red wine are Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. Of these three varieties, the largest volume is allocated to Barbera, while Nebbiolo is regarded by experts as the highest quality grape of the wine region. Other red grape varieties grown include:

• Freisa

• Bonarda

• Grignolino

• Croatina

• Quagliano

• Pelaverga

What are the most important grape varieties for white wine from Piedmont?

Among the white grape varieties from Piedmont, the grape Moscato Bianco (Yellow Muscat) dominates, which is largely used for the popular Asti Spumante. Other significant white varieties include Cortese and Arneis. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc, Cortese, and Chardonnay are also grown.

Order Piedmont Wines Online at VINELLO

Are you eager to create your own exploration tour through Piedmont? Simply browse our selection - VINELLO has numerous wonderful classics and exciting new discoveries in its program. Discover the diversity of wines and also benefit from our sommelier advice. Secured shopping and guaranteed prompt delivery ensure that your journey of enjoyment can begin quickly and lead you directly to wine pleasure.