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Wine 101: Piedmont wine region
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The Piedmont wine region of Italy has the most Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG) wines of any region in Italy. Although it is not the biggest wine-producer in Italy, it is known for its high concentration of quality wines.
Located in the northwest corner of Italy, sharing a border with Switzerland and France, the Piedmont wine region is right at the base of the Alps. Its name, Piedmont, means "foot of the mountain."
Visitors to Piedmont will appreciate the fact that wines in this region are not mass-produced. Visitors should expect to experience small, boutique family-owned vineyards. Vineyards are only planted on hills which adds to the boutique-like feel of the region; the vineyards don't produce enough grapes for mass production of wine.
Barolo and Barbaresco are the two most popular red wines from the Piedmont region. Both come from the Nebbiolo grape and take a longer time to age to retrain some of the dry and dusty flavor. Barbaresco is grown in a warmer and milder climate than Barolo.
Moscato is Piedmont's most noteworthy white grape variety. The grapes produce a sweet white wine; these wines are often used as a dessert wine. Moscato grapes can also be used in the production of a sparkling spumante.
Two more of Pidmont's most popular grapes, the Barbera and Docetto red grapes, can be planted where the Nebbiolo grape is not. Barbera became popular after phylloxera, a grape pest, invaded the region in the late 1800s. It is an easy to grow and abundant grape. Today, it is the region's most widely planted grape. It produces medium to full-body red wines. The Dolcetto grape's wines are dry and light-bodied.
For more information on the Piedmont wine region, click here.
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