Understanding the Piedmont Region

 

Piedmont lies in northwest Italy, bordering Liguria to the south, Lombardy to the east, and the Aosta Valley region to the northwest. The region also borders Switzerland to the northeast and France to the west. To the north of this rugged area are the Alps, and to the south, the less impressive Apennines mountains. However, despite their humble size, these mountains are home to some of the best vineyards in the region. Within Piedmont, there are 59 smaller regions, many with local varieties of wines. And while there are a stunning number of different grapes grown throughout the region, only a small selection produces the exceptional wines that define Piedmont. Of the 20 major wine producing regions in Italy, Piedmont is the 6th largest when it comes to volume. It has a reputation for extremely high-quality wines, with the most DOCG designations in Italy.

 

Why Piedmont is Perfect for Wine

 

There are a few reasons why the hills of Piedmont are ideal for grapes. First, the cold temperatures of the Alps. Second, the warm climate of the Mediterranean. This conflicting variation in temperature causes fog to inundate the region in the early morning hours, which burns away as the day progresses. Once the cool fog is gone, the hills are hit with sun. This is a perfect situation for growing grapes. Plus, the varying conditions throughout the region result in a wide assortment of styles, from bolder textures to light, acidic tones. Visiting this beautiful region and familiarizing yourself with the many wines also provides an opportunity to experience the many culinary styles that compliment them.

 

Wines of the Region

 

Diversity is what Piedmont is best known for. Throughout the region, there’s a wide variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. However, the reds are what set Piedmont apart. In fact, collectors often seek specific reds from the region and will pay top dollar for them. The red wine of choice for many residents is Barbera. This wine contains notes of cocoa, spice, and darker fruits. It has a medium body with a dry finish with earthy undertones. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines high in tannins and with some of the most complex structures of any wines made in Italy. This grape is used to make Barbaresco and Barolo, which both age well and undergo major transformations while in the bottle. Finally, Dolcetto produces softer wines with lower acidity levels. This food-friendly wine contains notes of raspberry, plum, and violet.

 

The whites of Piedmont are also sought after. Moscato Bianco creates some of the most aromatic whites in existence. Wines made from this grape contain notes of honeydew and provide a sweet floral finish. These wines are so delicate, they’re typically served as small pours or in a snifter. The Piedmont region also boasts an impressive variety of Chardonnays. Most of these are aged in oak barrels and display notes of pineapple, herbs, apple, and cream. Although Italy isn’t known for Chardonnay, those being produced in Piedmont are some of the best in Europe.

 

Meta: The Piedmont region in Italy produces some of the most complex and exciting wines in the world. Learn more about what make this area perfect for winemaking.