You may already be familiar with the impressive Piemonte wine scene if you’re a wine enthusiast. Piemonte, or Piedmont in English, is a region in the northwest corner of Italy that has long been synonymous with fine wine.
With more than 100 different grape varieties grown in Piemonte, it is no surprise that the Piedmont wine region boasts some of the world’s best and most diverse wine styles. It’s a place that has something for everyone, which is also why we’ve heard time and time again from our wine-loving Italy travel clients that this is their favorite recommendation for wine tourism
For me, Piemonte wine was something I stumbled upon. I was at a dinner party in Florence when a latecomer strode in with a large suitcase. Before we were even introduced, I saw the suitcase full of Italian wine outside Tuscany.
This seemed crazy to me, and I said so. Who could make better wine than those who invented the iconic Chianti? She painedly looked at me, claiming I only favored Tuscan wine because I had never had Piemonte wine. She unceremoniously emptied my Sangiovese glass into the sink and refilled it with a Barbera. It was love at first taste!
This moment was my wine awakening. I spent the rest of the night pestering her with questions about Piedmont and all its excellent wines. From there, I began studying wine, eventually earning my WSET II certification as a sommelier.
Though that was many years ago, and I have since tried wines from all over Italy, I still have a soft spot for Piemonte wines. In this article, we will delve into the history of Piemonte wines, explore what makes Piemonte wine so special, and examine the major wine styles prevalent in the region.
The History of Piemonte Wines
Winemaking in Piemonte Italy dates back to the ancient Romans, who recognized the region’s potential for growing vines. The region’s name, “Piedmont,” means “foot of the mountains,” referring to its location at the foothills of the Alps in northwestern Italy.
The mountainous terrain and fertile valleys, especially in the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato areas (an UNESCO World Heritage Site, for your information), provided ideal conditions for cultivating grapes and eventually establishing a wine industry of wide acclaim.
In the following centuries, Piedmont’s vineyards continued to flourish, and the region became renowned for producing superb wines that were enjoyed by the local nobility and foreign courts. By the 17th century, Piedmont had established itself as an essential center for winemaking, with aristocratic families investing in vineyards and establishing estates in small towns and villages dedicated to the craft.
Then, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region evolved into a modern powerhouse of winemaking. During this time, the creation of the Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG regulations helped formalize and protect the quality and reputation of Piemonte wines.
What Makes Piemonte Wines Special?
Part of what makes the Piedmont region so wonderful for winemaking is the weather. The weather here is shaped by two main forces: the chilly Alps and the warm Mediterranean coast.
The clash between these temperatures creates a big difference across seasons, with warm summer months and cold winters. And that temperature shift also occurs between day and night (known as a diurnal shift), leading to thick morning fog that slowly clears as the day progresses.
As a result, the hills receive more sunlight than the lower areas. More sun means the grapes ripen better, leading to wines of remarkable depth. You can also find some solid wines up north near the highest peaks of the Alps in places like Gattinara, but since it’s cooler there, the wines tend to be lighter and more acidic. This interesting temperature, elevation, fog, and sun dichotomy makes these grapes so interesting when turned into wine!
The Famous Red Wines of Piedmont
Barbaresco DOCG: The Queen of Wines
Made from the same Nebbiolo grape as Barolo, Barbaresco hails from a smaller area around Barbaresco on the other side of the Tanaro River. Barbaresco wines are more approachable than Barolo, characterized by softer, velvety tannins and a more perfumed, floral character, yet they still share the same complex flavors and strong aging potential. They’re often described as more graceful and elegant than the robust Barolo wines.
Barbaresco DOCG has several sub-regions that offer expressions of this wine:
- Barbaresco DOCG (the base designation)
- Barbaresco Riserva DOCG (a version of Barbaresco that undergoes longer aging, offering a deeper, more complex profile)
- Barbaresco pro: It’s more approachable than Barolo.
- Barbaresco con: It still can be pretty pricey.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: Consider a visit to the town of Barbaresco if you’re traveling without a car. Many vineyards have tasting rooms on the main road below town or in the city. You can easily walk from the historic center to these tasting locations in about 10 minutes (warning: it can be hilly).
Barbera: The People’s Wine of Piedmont
While Barolo and Barbaresco often steal the limelight as the reigning king and queen, Barbera truly deserves a seat at the royal table. Barbera wine is called such because it is made mostly from Barbera grapes. Unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, which are 100% Nebbiolo wines, Barbera wine can be mixed with Freisa, Grignolino, and Dolcetto grapes.
This red grape not only launched a new love of red wines into my heart, but it also produces vibrant, fruit-forward wines that are beloved for their juicy acidity and easy drinkability. Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba are the two most recognized DOCs, each offering slightly different finished expressions of the grape.
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Barbera d’Asti DOCG is one of the most famous wines in Piedmont. These wines are known for their deep ruby color, high acidity, and intense flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry, with subtle earthy notes. They are generally more approachable and versatile than Barolo or Barbaresco, and pair wonderfully with a variety of foods.
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Located around Alba, Barbera d’Alba offers wines with a similar profile to Barbera d’Asti but with an added depth. These wines often have a rich fruitiness with balancing acidity, making them an excellent choice for casual dining, which pairs well with meats, pasta, and cheese.
- Barbera Pro: It is affordable!
- Barbera con: If you’re saving it for a special occasion, you can’t age it as long as a Barolo.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a great wine at less than a quarter of the price of Barolo, consider a Barbera. It’s easy to drink, pairs great with many dishes, and won’t pay you a pretty penny.
Barolo DOCG: The King of Wines
Often referred to as the “King of Wine,” Barolo is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Langhe region, particularly around the small village of Barolo. Barolo is known for its bold structure, high acidity, and complex aromas of dark fruit, red berries, leather, roses, and earthy notes. These full-bodied red wines are typically very tannic when young but become incredibly refined and nuanced as they age.
Barolo can take years, even decades, to reach its peak, making it a wine that benefits from cellaring. This also means a ready-to-drink Barolo at a restaurant usually comes with a hefty price tag. If you can afford it, it pairs beautifully with meat dishes, and the aging in oak barrels adds an extra layer of complexity to the pairing.
Some key DOCs within the Barolo region include:
- Barolo DOCG (the base designation for wines made in the area)
- Barolo Chinato DOCG (a fortified version of Barolo, often infused with herbs and spices)
- Barolo Pro: It is considered one of the best wines in the world.
- Barolo Con: It can cost $100+ a bottle.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: If it’s your first time, consider visiting the original and historic Marchesi Barolo Cellars. This is where the Barolo we know today was first created. You can visit the castle and the cellars, making a wonderful excursion.
Dolcetto: A Juicy, Everyday Red
Dolcetto is another important red grape variety in Piedmont. It is known for producing wines rich in dark fruit flavors, with a characteristic touch of almond bitterness on the finish. Dolcetto wines are typically lower in acidity than Barbera and Nebbiolo, making them easy and enjoyable for everyday drinking.
The top Dolcetto DOCs are:
- Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
- Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG (considered one of the finest expressions of Dolcetto)
- Dolcetto di Ovada DOCG
Dolcetto wines are often made to be consumed young and fresh. They have flavors of plum, black cherry, flowering violets, and a hint of licorice. They are great for casual meals, including grilled meats or antipasti.
- Dolcetto Pro: It’s generally affordable.
- Dolcetto Con: A lower quality dolcetto can be acidic and even dull.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: This is one of the few red wines I will drink in the summer. It can be served slightly chilled and is less heavy than other regional wines.
Nebbiolo: The Heart of Piedmont’s Most Celebrated Wines
The Nebbiolo grape, renowned for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential, is at the heart of Piedmont’s most iconic wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo thrives in the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato hills, where the combination of altitude, climate, and soil produces wines with distinct characteristics.
All Nebbiolo-based wines (including Nebbiolo d’Alba and Langhe Nebbiolo) are known for their powerful tannins, high acidity, deep flavors of red fruit, roses, and earthy nuances. Truly, to understand Piedmont wines, you must first understand Nebbiolo because the king and queen of Piemonte (as far as wines go) are 100% made from this vine.
- Nebbiolo Pro: This grape is at the heart of Piemonte, so it’s available everywhere at many price points.
- Nebbiolo can be too tannic if not handled correctly.
- Sommelier’s Insider tip: If you like Sangiovese from Tuscany or pinot noirs produced in colder regions, you will likely enjoy this grape too!
The Famous White Wines of Piedmont
While Piedmont is best known for its regal reds, the region also produces exceptional white wines. Arneis and Gavi are the two most famous white varietals from Piedmont to consider, but are just a few of the types of good wine made in the region.
Arneis: The “Little Rascal”
Arneis is a white grape from the Roero region in the northern part of Piedmont. The name “Arneis” means “little rascal” in the local dialect, reflecting the grape’s tendency to be challenging to grow.
The wines made from Arneis are aromatic, light, and crisp, with flavors of pear, apricot, white flowers, and a slight nuttiness. The wines can be both refreshing and complex, making them perfect for various dishes, and they carry well through dinner from the antipasto to dessert.
Key DOCs for Arneis include:
- Roero Arneis DOCG (the primary DOCG for Arneis-based wines)
- Roero DOCG (a red wine made from Nebbiolo, often paired with Arneis in blends)
- Arneis Pro: This is an interesting grape with a unique history.
- Arneis Con: It tends to oxidize easily, so it should be finished quickly, and not left in the bottle too long.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: Arneis was on the brink of extinction in the 1970s, but it was revived by two inventive winemakers, Alfredo Currado and Bruno Giacosa. If you want to visit some of Arneis’s best and most experienced winemakers, head to their vineyards, such as those of Bruno Giacosa or Vietti (where Alfredo Currado worked), to get the best experience.
Gavi: The Piedmontese Sauvignon Blanc
Gavi wines are made from the Cortese grape and come from the southern part of Piedmont, near the Ligurian border, directly above Genoa. The wines are known for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and flavors of citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality. Gavi is one of Piedmont’s most internationally recognized whites and is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc due to its refreshing profile.
Key DOCG for Gavi:
- Gavi DOCG
- Gavi Pro: It’s super refreshing and drinkable.
- Gavi Con: If you don’t like Sauvignon Blanc, you likely won’t like this wine either.
- Sommelier Insider Tip: If you’re not planning to be in Piemonte but want to try to fit in a Piemonte winery, Gavi wineries are often right on the Liguria border. This can sometimes make them more accessible as an add-on to your trip.
Piedmont’s Sparkling Wines
While not as famous as Champagne, Piedmont produces distinctive Italian sparkling wines from sweet, aromatic styles from the Moscato grape to complex traditional-method wines in the region’s north. It’s home to the iconic Asti Spumante, Moscato d’Asti, and the romantic red sparkler, Brachetto d’Acqui.
Asti DOCG
Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante is a sweet, fully sparkling wine renowned for its floral and fruity aromas, featuring notes of peach, apricot, and orange blossom. It’s crafted using the Charmat method, which preserves the grape’s freshness and aromatics by fermentation in pressurized tanks. This wine is a festive favorite and pairs beautifully with desserts.
- Asti Pro: This sweet wine is ideal for those who prefer non-acidic wines.
Asti Con: It can be very sweet!
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Moscato d’Asti is a lightly sparkling (frizzante) version of Asti, characterized by a lower alcohol content and a more delicate sweetness. It is made with a single fermentation that stops early to preserve natural sugar, resulting in a gently fizzy, aromatic wine. The wine is considered a dessert wine and is best paired with lighter desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
Brachetto is a red, sweet sparkling wine made from the Brachetto grape in the Acqui region. With notes of wild strawberry, rose petal, and raspberry, it’s often considered the red counterpart to Moscato d’Asti and pairs perfectly with chocolate-based desserts or fruit tarts.
Traditional Method Sparkling Wines
Beyond the sweet styles, Northern Piemonte is gaining recognition for its traditional method sparkling wines (metodo classico), especially in alpine areas like Alta Langa.
These wines, often made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, undergo secondary fermentation in bottles, similar to Champagne, resulting in elegant bubbles, layered complexity, and excellent aging potential. Many of these are crafted in high-altitude small villages such as La Morra, where tradition and terroir merge to produce wines of remarkable depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piemonte Wine
Piemonte has a rich winemaking history dating back to Roman times. By the 19th century, it became one of the first Italian regions to embrace modern viticulture, led by figures like Camillo Benso di Cavour and Count Emanuele di Mirafiore.
Its unique mix of Alpine and Mediterranean influences and a deep-rooted tradition of family-owned vineyards has helped Piemonte produce some of Italy’s most age-worthy and respected wines.
Piemonte wines are defined by their terroir-driven precision, high-quality DOCG and DOC regulations, and focus on native grape varieties.
Unlike many Italian regions, Piemonte winemakers rarely blend grapes, allowing the purity of varieties like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Arneis to shine. The region’s cooler climate, rolling hills, and deep respect for tradition create wines with elegance, longevity, and a strong sense of place.
Barolo (Nebbiolo-based, full-bodied red wine) is known for its bold tannins, high acidity, and complex notes of dried rose, cherry, tar, and earthy spice. The best food pairings are:
- Braised meats like beef short ribs or ossobuco
- Game meats such as venison or wild boar
- Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Castelmagno, or Pecorino
- Truffle dishes—especially tagliolini or risotto with white truffle from Alba
- Mushroom risotto or polenta with wild mushrooms
Pro Tip: Barolo’s tannins love fat and umami, so go for rich, slow-cooked dishes with earthy or meaty elements.
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