Piedmont is an indispensable production region when talking about Italian wine. It produces Barolo, known as the king of Italian wine, and Barbaresco, also known as the queen.
What kind of wine is produced in Piedmont?
This time, we will focus on grape varieties and introduce their characteristics and recommended brands.
Climate and characteristics of Piedmont
Piedmont is a region located in the northwest of Italy, where the fourth largest city, Turin, is located.
It is a beautiful place rich in nature at the foot of the Alps.
The cold Alps and the mild Mediterranean climate collide, resulting in temperature differences between day and night.
The nights are cold, the mornings are filled with fog, and the days are full of sunshine. Grapes grow on a hill with plenty of sunlight. This is a land blessed with wine production.
Barolo and Barbaresco
Piedmont's famous DOCGs are Barolo and Barbaresco.
Let's take a look at the characteristics of each.
Barolo, the king of Italian wine
Barolo is located southwest of the city of Alba in the Apennines.
Barolo DOCG's vineyards are located on south-facing hills. The wine is pale brick red in color, with firm tannins and a high alcohol content (minimum 13%).
Made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
Strong and strong taste.
Barolo is aged for a minimum of three years before release, while Riserva is aged for five years.
Cannubi San Lorenzo is known as one of the most historic fields of Barolo. The wine produced in fields with vines that are nearly 80 years old has a low yield and is only bottled in magnum bottles.
Barolo Cannubi San Lorenzo is typically released after aging for nearly 10 years, under strict control that the wine is not released until it is ready to drink.
This is the perfect book for a special day.
Ceretto/ Barolo Cannubi San Lorenzo [2003] 1500ml red wine magnum bottle 79,112
Soft and delicate Barbaresco
Barbaresco is located in the northeast of Alba, near the Tanaro River. Made with 100% Nebbiolo from the best south-facing vineyards.
How is it different from Barolo?
What is the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco, which are made using 100% Nebbiolo grapes? Two factors make a big difference: soil and climate. Barbaresco's soils are mostly limestone-based, so they are low in tannins. Also, grapes that ripen early from warmer climates with less variation during the day will have thinner skins. Barbaresco wines have less tannins, color and phenolics, and are said to have a softer, more delicate flavor than Barolo.
Payolet is one of Langhe's most famous vineyards, and is a graceful and elegant red that combines power and elegance. This is a masterpiece where you can enjoy the essence of Barbaresco.
Rizzi/ Barbaresco Payole [2011] 750ml red wine 5,456
Piedmont wine selected based on the characteristics of grape varieties
red wine
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is produced in smaller quantities than Barbera, but is considered Piedmont's best wine. Because it has characteristics similar to Pinot Noir, it often attracts attention in place of Burgundy, which is becoming more expensive. Red Cherry, Tar, and Rose Flavors The wine has high acidity, a pale garnet color, rich tannins, and flavors of cherry, rose, and tar. It has a moderately high alcohol content of 13-15%.
When you think of Nebbiolo, you think of Barolo and Barbaresco, but that's not all. There are 15 DOC and DOCG wines from Piedmont that mainly use Nebbiolo. For example, Nebbiolo Langhe is a dry red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo. You can easily enjoy the taste similar to Barolo.
Cordero di Montezemolo/ Nebbiolo Langhe [2017] 750ml red wine
Barbera
Barbera is the most widely grown grape in Piedmont. Smooth tannins and a spicy finish with aromas of espresso, smoke, fresh anise and fruit including raspberry, lingonberry and blackberry.
The recommended DOC is Barbera d'Alba. A powerful wine with fruit and floral aromas, soft tannins and concentrated fruit flavors.
Cordero di Montezemolo/ Barbera d'Alba [2017] 750ml red wine
dolcetto
Wines made with Dolcetto grapes have flavors of blackberry, licorice, and tar. It has a very dark color. The wine is low in acidity and rich in tannins for a pleasant mouthfeel. It has a fresh yet strong flavor and is also attractive at an affordable price. In Italy, it is popular as a daily wine.
Domenico Clerico/ Langhe Dolcetto Visadi [2018] 750ml Red Wine
white varieties
moscato
Piedmont has a strong image of red, but sparkling and white colors are also important to remember. Particularly well-known is the sweet, slightly sparkling wine, Moscato His Dusty. The gentle sweetness of the sparkling wine is also recommended as an aperitif. Wouldn't you like to enjoy a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti with your friends after work?
Rizzi/ Moscato d'Asti [2018] 750ml white wine slightly sparkling sweet
Cortez
A smooth dry white with flavors of lemon, apple, melon, and straw. The most famous area of Cortés is Gavi.
Gavi Viñeto Arborina is a clean, dry, amber straw color that goes well with a variety of dishes. The grapes are hand-picked and only the best ones are selected and pressed. A rich, complex flavor and a long-lasting bouquet that fills your mouth.
Castello di Tassarolo/ Gavi Vigneto Arborina [2017] 750ml White wine
Arneis
Arneis is characterized by its juicy, harmonious flavors of peach, apple, and lemon. A Piedmontese white wine with a spicy and flavorful aftertaste that lasts for a long time. Flavors of white flowers, peach, apple, and green hazelnut with a hint of minerality.
A new lineup from Fontanafredda, which has a long history, is the "Volumi Borrati" series. It has a bright straw color and aromas reminiscent of tropical fruits, ripe pears, and honey. It has a smooth taste with a good balance of acidity and fruit, and a long aftertaste.
Fontanafredda/Volumi Bollati Series Pradalpo Roero Arneis 500ml White Wine
Enjoy a blissful time with Piedmont cuisine and wine, the gourmet land
Piedmont is all about truffles, meat, and vegetable dishes! It is famous not only for its wine, but also for its gourmet food. There are many signature dishes such as tartare and bagna cauda made with raw meat, pasta topped with meat sauce and plenty of local cheese, etc. Piedmont, the birthplace of slow food, values traditional local cuisine and wine.
There are many delicious vegetables and meats in Japan. Enjoy Piedmontese wine with bagna cauda or wine-braised beef. Looks like you'll have a blissful time!
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