Welcome to Piedmont, a delightful region in the northwest of Italy, with breathtaking landscapes of vine-covered hills and historic medieval towns. It’s a destination that offers travelers a blend of culture, cuisine, and world-class wines.

The Piedmont region is home to 41 Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) and 18 Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wine appellations. It boasts more DOCG (Italy’s top wine designation) wine than any other region and produces top-quality, age-worthy wines.

The region has a long history of winemaking that dates back centuries, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Europe. Piedmont is home to some of the world’s most renowned and sought-after wines, like Barolo and Barbaresco, that pair beautifully with the regions hearty cuisine of meat and truffles.

The wine regions of Piedmont are known for their distinct terroir and climate that give each wine its own unique character.

Let’s take a look at the top wines in Piedmont, Italy.

Barolo

Barolo is the most prestigious wine region in Piedmont, producing some of the most famous wines in the world. The region is located in the Langhe Hills, with their rolling hills, steep vineyards, and stunning views. The wines produced here are made from the Nebbiolo grape, which is known for its high tannins, acidity, and complexity. The wines are aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, which give them their distinct flavor and aroma. Barolo pairs well with hearty meat dishes, game, and mature cheeses.

With its roots deep in Italian tradition, the Barolo wine region is a unique spot that has been producing superior-quality wines for centuries. It was first mentioned in records dating back to the Middle Ages, and it has been home to some of Italy’s finest winemakers for hundreds of years.

Today it continues to give us some of the world’s best wines, thanks to the combination of ideal soil conditions and centuries-old winemaking techniques. In recognition of its outstanding quality, Barolo was declared one of Italy’s first DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) regions in 1980.

Traditional -vs- Modern

While Barolo is still one of Italy’s most famous and highly-regarded wines, two distinct styles of winemaking have developed in the region: traditional and modern. The differences are not only in the wine-making techniques but also in the flavors of the wine.

Traditional Barolo is made with a long maceration (soaking) on the grape skins (some go as long as a month) which leads to high tannins and requires longer aging, think 10 years or more. Whereas in the 1980s a modern style developed that requires less aging, is fruitier, and can be enjoyed at a much younger age.

Ultimately, the best way to find out which style you prefer is to taste a variety of Barolos from different producers.

Some traditional Barolo producers include Giacomo Conterno, Giuseppe Mascarello, Fontanafredda, Bruno Giacosa, and Oddero.

Some modern-syle producers are Angelo Gaja, Scavino, Elio Altare

Barbaresco

Barbaresco is another famous Piedmont wine that, like Barolo, is made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. It’s renowned for its elegant and complex flavors, high acidity, and firm tannins, but when compared to its Barolo cousin, Barbaresco wines tend to be more approachable and softer with a slightly shorter aging period. They pair incredibly well with lighter meat dishes, pasta, and risotto.

Barbaresco is produced in a small area of just four villages: Barbaresco, Treiso, Neive, and Alba. The vineyards in these villages are located on the Langhe hills, which have a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing Nebbiolo grapes.

Barbaresco wines are typically aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. This aging process gives the wine its characteristic flavors of dried violets, herbs, and spices. While Barbaresco wines have long aging potential, with some vintages continuing to improve for up to 20 years or more, you can enjoy these wines at a young age to enjoy their fresh fruit flavors.

Langhe Nebbiolo

A favorite here at Europe Wine Guides, Langhe Nebbiolo is a red wine produced in the Langhe region of Piedmont made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. Langhe Nebbiolo, sometimes referred to as “Baby Barolo”, is often considered a more accessible and affordable alternative to the prestigious and expensive Barolo and Barbaresco wines, also from the Nebbiolo grape.

Langhe Nebbiolo is typically produced from younger Nebbiolo vines or grapes sourced from vineyards located on the lower slopes of the Langhe hills, as opposed to the higher altitude vineyards that are used for Barolo and Barbaresco wines. As a result, Langhe Nebbiolo wines tend to be lighter and less tannic than Barolo and Barbaresco wines, with a more fruity and youthful character.

Langhe Nebbiolo wines are usually aged for a shorter period, typically around one year in oak barrels, which helps to soften the tannins. The wine is typically characterized by its bright red fruit flavors, floral aromas, and soft tannins, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a great match for a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to rich and hearty dishes, such as roasted meats, game, and pasta with tomato-based sauces. They also pair well with aged cheeses and cured meats.

Langhe Nebbiolo is a great choice for folks who are looking for a wine with a more easy-drinking character than Barolo and Barbaresco but still want to experience the unique flavors and aromas of the Nebbiolo grape variety.

Barbera

Barbera is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Italy; It is the third most-planted grape variety in the country. Barbera produces wines that are high in acidity, low in tannins, and have a bright red color.

Barbera wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of foods, and an incredible complement to tomato-based dishes, including pasta sauces and pizza. In addition to versatility and delicious flavors, Barbera wines are also valued for their affordability. They are often a great value for the quality and complexity they offer, making them a great option for wine lovers looking for a high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

Barbera d’Asti is perhaps the most famous Barbera wine and is often considered the benchmark for the grape. It is produced in the Asti province of Piedmont and is known for its bright acidity and intense fruit flavors. Barbera d’Alba, on the other hand, is produced in the Alba province of Piedmont and is typically more tannic and full-bodied than its Asti counterpart.

Gavi

The most well-known white wine of the Piedmont region is Gavi, produced from the Cortese grape variety and produces wine with crisp acidity, delicate fruit flavors, and mineral notes.

The Gavi DOCG appellation is in the southern part of Piedmont near the Ligurian coast, and the vineyards in this area are located at an altitude of around 300 meters, with a mix of soils that include limestone and clay.

To help preserve the delicate fruit flavors and aromas of the wine, Gavi wines are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks with no oak influence. With its refreshing acidity, it’s a great match for a wide range of foods, but it pairs particularly well with seafood dishes and fresh pesto.

With its stunning scenery of rolling hills and vineyards and its world-class wine and food, Piedmont is an excellent region to add to your Italy wine tour.