The Piemonte wine region lies to the south of the department, around Alba in the foothills of the Alps. There are more DOC and DOCG wines made here than in any other part of Italy. The villages of Barolo and Barbaresco, which lie amongst the Langhe hills, produce some of Italy’s finest red wines, using Nebbiolo, a fine red variety that fares particularly well in Piemonte. Barbera and Dolcetto make a lighter, fresher style of red wine. The best vineyard sites are amongst the hillsides, with Nebbiolo favouring the sunnier slopes and Dolcetto and Moscatel enjoying the cooler aspects. The region is also well known for its sparkling wine, Asti Spumante, which is made from Moscatel. View our range.

Piedmont Wine Regions

Langhe region

A hilly wine growing district to the south and east of the river Tanaro. Nebbiolo is the most important red variety by far, producing some of Italy’s most famous wines from the villages of Barolo and Barbaresco. Other traditional red grape varieties here are Barbera and Dolcetto. Langhe lends its name to non-traditional vine types (‘Langhe Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Langhe Merlot’ for example) but these qualify only for a lower DOC. Although principally a red wine area some good whites are produced, using Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Gavi

Lies in the southern part of Piedmont, near Liguria on soil rich in mineral. Gavi wines are made exclusively from the cortese grape to produce crisp and bone-dry white wines high in acidity with flinty notes.

Piedmont Grape Varieties

Nebbiolo: Italy’s most noble red grape which is responsible for the grand wines of Piemonte, notably Barolo and Barbaresco. Wines from Nebbiolo are of medium colour, with strong flavours and varietal character, which need ageing to fulfil their potential.

Barbera: a leading Italian red grape grown extensively in Piedmont where it is second only to Nebbiolo. Also found in Argentina and California and to a lesser extent in Australia. Wines from Barbera have good colour, tannins and acidity

Dolcetto: a red variety grown almost exclusively in the Piemonte region in Italy where it comes third in line after Nebbiolo and Barbera. Has been tried in South Australia and Argentina but does not seem to have made much of an impression in either country. Makes wines of medium intensity with low acidity which should be drunk young.

Cortese: an Italian white grape grown mostly in the Piemonte region. Makes fresh wines with a good acidity.

Arneis: an Italian white variety, found mostly in Piemonte where it is used to make the white wines in the Langhe hills. Grown also in California, especially in the Sonoma Valley. Produces aromatic, gentle wines with a low acidity.