Piedmont, Italy wine region
Are you considering adding a bottle or two of Piedmontese wine to your collection? If so, you’re in good company, as the Piedmont wine region has been a favorite Italian wine region of connoisseurs for centuries.
Located in the northwestern corner of Itlay, the Piedmont region is renowned for its Barolo, Barbera, and Nebbiolo wines. This guide to the region’s wine will help you learn more about selecting Piedmont wines and hosting an Italian-inspired event.
- Located near the Swiss Alps, with heaps of beautiful natural scenery.
- A favored Italian wine region for wine connoisseurs.
- Home to world-famous restaurants for incredible wine and food pairings.
Piedmont wine map
The Piedmont wine region is located in the northernmost part of Italy’s wine country near the Swiss Alps. Ancient volcanic activity has left its mark on the landscape, with over two million hectares of vineyards covering hilly terrain. The soils here are rich with minerals and tend to produce full-bodied, complex wines.
The Piedmont wine region is also blessed with a Mediterranean climate and abundant sunshine. Winters are cool and wet, creating a unique microclimate that adds elegance and balance to the wines. The summers here are hot, causing the vines to produce fewer but more intensely flavored grapes.
Cities to visit in Piedmont wine region
Here are some of the most popular cities in the Piedmont wine region:
- Alba: a charming city known for its production of both red and white wines, including Barolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. It is also famous for its truffles and hazelnuts. Discover best wine tours and tastings in Alba
- Asti wine tastings – Located in the heart of the Moscato d’Asti DOCG area, Asti is famous for its sparkling sweet wines made from the Moscato grape variety.
- Barolo wine tours and tastings – This small town gives its name to one of Italy’s most famous red wines, made from the Nebbiolo grape variety grown in the surrounding hills.
- Barbaresco wine experiences – Another small town that produces high-quality red wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, with a slightly lighter style than those produced in nearby Barolo.
- Gavi wine experiences – This town is known for producing crisp and refreshing white wines made from the Cortese grape variety.
Unique places to visit in the Piedmont wine region
The Piedmont region in northwest Italy is known for its beautiful landscape, rich history, and delicious food and wine. Here are a few unique places to visit in the region:
Turin
The capital city of Piedmont, Turin is known for its art, culture, and history. It is home to several important museums, including the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Cinema. Turin is also home to the famous Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth believed by some to have been used to wrap the body of Jesus after his death. Discover best wine tastings near Turin
Langhe
Located in the southern part of Piedmont, Langhe wine region is a beautiful region known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and delicious food and wine. It is home to many top vineyards and wineries, including those producing Barolo and Barbaresco.
The Royal Palace of Venaria Reale
Located just outside of Turin, the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale is a beautiful Baroque palace surrounded by stunning gardens. It was once the residence of the royal family of Savoy and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basilica of Superga
Located on a hill overlooking Turin, the Basilica of Superga is a beautiful Baroque basilica with panoramic views of the city. It is also the final resting place of the kings of Savoy.
The Italian Alps
Piedmont is located in the foothills of the Italian Alps, and the region is home to several beautiful mountain towns and ski resorts. The region is also known for its truffles, and there are many truffle festivals and truffle hunting tours available.
These are just a few of the many unique places to visit in the Piedmont region. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history, food, wine, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Italy.
Best travel guides for Piedmont wine region
Popular wines of Piedmont
Piemonte, located in the northwest of Italy, is widely regarded as one of the world’s top wine regions, thanks to its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse range of grape varieties. Here are some of the best wines to try in Piemonte:
Barolo – Made from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is Piemonte’s most famous wine. Known as the “King of Wines,” Barolo is a full-bodied red wine with strong tannins, notes of cherry, leather, and spice, and a long finish.
Barbera – A popular red wine grape in Piemonte, Barbera is known for its rich color, high acidity, and fruity notes of red and black berries. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including pizza, pasta, and roasted meats.
Barbaresco – Like Barolo, Barbaresco is made from the Nebbiolo grape, but it has a lighter body and softer tannins. Barbaresco has a more delicate aroma and flavor profile, with notes of raspberry, licorice, and rose petals.
Moscato d’Asti – A sweet and bubbly dessert wine made from the Moscato grape, Moscato d’Asti is known for its lightness and refreshing flavor. It has a delicate floral aroma and a fruity taste of peach, apricot, and honey.
Dolcetto – Another popular red wine grape in Piemonte, Dolcetto is known for its deep color and medium body. It has a soft, fruity flavor with notes of black cherry, plum, and licorice.
Overall, Piemonte offers a wide variety of excellent wines, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Whether you’re a fan of full-bodied red wines like Barolo and Barbera or prefer something lighter and sweeter like Moscato d’Asti, Piemonte has a wine for every palate.
About Piedmont Wines: Types & Characteristics
Piedmont wine region has a variety of grape varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. The most famous grape varieties grown in Piedmont are Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto.
Nebbiolo is known for its bold, full-bodied red wines, including the famous Barolo and Barbaresco. These wines are known for their high tannins and acidity, with notes of cherry, truffle, and leather. Barbera is another popular red wine grape in Piedmont, producing wines with a lower tannin level, high acidity, and fruity notes of black cherry and plum. Dolcetto is a lighter-bodied red wine grape, producing wines with a softer tannin profile and notes of blackberry and violet.
Piedmont is also known for its sweet sparkling wine, Moscato d’Asti. Made from the Moscato grape, this wine is light and sweet, with flavors of peach, apricot, and honey.
Overall, Piedmont is a region that offers a range of excellent wines, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Whether you prefer bold and full-bodied red wines or light and sweet sparkling wines, Piedmont has a wine for every taste and occasion.
Appellations of the Piedmont wine region
Piedmont’s wine region is home to many sub-regions and appellations, each with its own unique characteristics and terroir. Some of the most famous sub-regions and appellations in Piedmont include:
- Barolo: Located in the Langhe region
- Barbaresco wine appellation: Located in the same region as Barolo
- Barbera d’Asti: Located in the Monferrato region
- Moscato d’Asti: Located in the Monferrato region
- Gavi: Located in the Alessandria province
- Canavese
- Colline Novaresi
- Coste della Sesia
- Langhe
- Monferrato
Grape Varieties of Piedmont wines
The Piedmont wine region in Italy is known for producing a range of high-quality wines with distinct styles. Here are a few grape varieties that lend Piedmont wines their distinctive character:
Nebbiolo: Nebbiolo is a red grape variety that is used to make some of the Piedmont wine region’s most famous wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. Wines made from Nebbiolo are known for their deep, complex flavors and long aging potential.
Moscato: Moscato is a white grape variety that is used to make sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti. Wines made from Moscato are known for their fruity and aromatic character.
Barbera: Barbera is a red grape variety that is used to make wines like Barbera d’Asti. Wines made from Barbera are known for their bright, fruity flavors and are often enjoyed as young wines.
Dolcetto: Dolcetto is a red grape variety that is used to make wines like Dolcetto d’Alba. Wines made from Dolcetto are known for their soft, fruity flavors and are often enjoyed as
Arneis: Arneis is a white grape variety that is used to make white wines with floral and citrus flavors. It is often grown in the Roero region of Piedmont.
Grignolino: Grignolino is a red grape variety that is used to make light-bodied red wines with bright, fruity flavors. It is often grown in the Monferrato region of Piedmont.
Gavi: Gavi is a white grape variety that is used to make white wines with fresh, citrus flavors. It is often grown in the town of Gavi, located in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont.
Brachetto: Brachetto is a red grape variety that is used to make sweet, sparkling red wines. It is often grown in the province of Asti in Piedmont.
Freisa: Freisa is a red grape variety that is used to make light-bodied red wines with bright, fruity flavors. It is often grown in the province of Asti in Piedmont.
Ruché: Ruché is a red grape variety that is used to make light-bodied red wines with a fruity and floral character. It is native to the Piedmont region and is often grown in the province of Asti.
Nascetta: Nascetta is a white grape variety that is used to make white wines with a floral and citrus character. It is native to the Piedmont region and is grown in the province of Cuneo.
Erbaluce: Erbaluce is a white grape variety that is used to make white wines with a fresh and mineral character. It is native to the Piedmont region and is often grown in the province of Vercelli.
Favorita: Favorita is a white grape variety that is used to make white wines with a floral and citrus character. It is native to the Piedmont region and is often grown in the province of Asti.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piedmont wine region
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Where is Piedmont Located?The Piedmont wine region is located in northwest Italy, in the foothills of the Alps. It is bordered by France to the west, Switzerland to the north, the Italian regions of Lombardy to the east, and Liguria to the south. The region is known for producing some of Italy's most highly acclaimed and sought-after wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. The Piedmont wine region is also home to a number of beautiful cities and towns, including Turin, the capital of the region, and the beautiful mountain towns of the Italian Alps.
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What is the most famous wine style of the Piedmont region?The most famous wine style of the Piedmont region in Italy is Barolo. Barolo is a red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. It is known for its complex and intense flavors, with notes of red fruit, roses, and truffles. It is also known for its high tannins, acidity, and alcohol content. Barolo is considered one of the finest wines in Italy and is often compared to the great red wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Barolo is produced in the Langhe hills, in the southern part of Piedmont, specifically around the towns of Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga d'Alba. It is aged for a minimum of 38 months before release, with at least 18 of those months spent in oak barrels. This aging process gives the wine its distinct flavor profile and complexity.
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Where can I taste the best wines of Piedmont?Piedmontese wines are known for their full-bodied character and powerful presence in the glass, and there are plenty of places to explore them. From traditional wine bars to stylish restaurants, here are some great places to experience Piedmont wines in all their glory. At Rustico Vineria Salumeria, you can enjoy a wide range of Piedmont wines accompanied by some of the best traditional wines. This stunning 'wine bar meets deli' combines traditional Piedmont charcuterie with delightful wines from the region. On their rotating selection of wines, you'll find Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi, Roero, Arneis, and more. The selection changes often, so there will always be something new to explore! Along with a great selection of Piedmont wines, you can also find a variety of regional charcuterie and cheeses to accompany the bottle. This charming wine bar also offers BYOB events and tutored wine tastings, where customers can learn about Piedmontese wines from experts in the field. You can find other amazing places to taste the best of Piedmont wines with Winalist’s free wine experience search and booking tool.
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What is the Piedmont Region Best Known For?Piedmont is a region located in northwest Italy known for producing some of Italy's finest wines. The region is particularly famous for its red wines made from the Nebbiolo grape variety, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. These wines are known for their bold, tannic character and long aging potential, and are considered among the finest wines in the world. In addition to its wine production, Piedmont is also known for its rich culinary traditions, including dishes such as truffles, risotto, and fondue. The region is also home to a number of protected food products, such as the famous Piedmontese hazelnuts and the "Slow Food" movement was founded in the region.
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What Food is Piedmont Known For?The region is home to several famous dishes and ingredients, including: Truffles: Piedmont is known for its truffles, particularly the white truffles of Alba, which are considered some of the finest truffles in the world. Truffles are used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, and meat dishes. Risotto: Risotto is a popular dish in Piedmont made with arborio rice, broth, and various ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, or meat. Risotto alla Milanese, made with saffron and bone marrow, is a particularly famous risotto from the region. Fondue: Fondue, a dish made of melted cheese served in a communal pot, is popular in Piedmont and the surrounding region. Fondue savoyarde, made with a mixture of Gruyère, Emmental, and Comté cheeses, is a particularly famous fondue from the region. Piedmontese hazelnuts: Piedmont is known for its high-quality hazelnuts, which are used in a variety of dishes and products, including chocolate, liqueurs, and pastries. Beef: Piedmont is home to several high-quality beef breeds, including the famous Fassone breed. The region is known for its beef dishes, including bollito misto, a dish of boiled meats served with various sauces.
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What is the Capital of Piedmont?The capital of Piedmont is Turin (Torino in Italian), a city located in the northwest of Italy. Turin is the fourth largest city in Italy and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and culinary traditions. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Cinema and the Royal Palace of Turin, as well as several important landmarks such as the Mole Antonelliana and the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista. Turin is also known for its chocolate and coffee, and is home to a number of famous chocolate makers and coffee roasters.