Piedmont is esteemed above all
for its red wines, the regal Barolo and Barbaresco in the forefront. But
the best known of the region's wines is the white, sweet, bubbly and
widely adored Asti Spumante.
Practically all of Piedmont's classified wines derive from native vines.
Besides the noble Nebbiolo - source of Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara,
which are all DOCG - Barbera ranks as the most popular vine for reds and
Dolcetto is admired for its soft, full-flavoured wines. Freisa, Grignolino,
Brachetto and a host of other varieties round out the honour roll or red
wines.
Still, among DOC wines at least, whites are equally prominent. First comes
Moscato d'Asti, the base of Asti Spumante. With an output surpassing 50
million litres annually, it ranks second in volume to Chianti among
Italy's classified wines. An established star among dry whites is Gavi
from the native Cortese grape.
Italy's westernmost region with borders on Switzerland and France,
Piedmont is hemmed in by Alps and Apennines, which explain why its name
means "foot of the mountain." Though it ranks only seventh among the
regions in total production, in every other way Piedmont is a giant of
wine. It has the most DOC-DOCG zones with 38 (taking in 43 distinct types
of wine) and the most vineyards dedicated to classified production. For
craftmanship, respect for tradition and devotion to native vines in their
historical habitat, the Piedmontese have no rivals in Italy.
The region's climate is rigid by Italian standards, with distinct changes
of season. Winters are cold with plenty of snow; summers are usually warm
and dry; spring and autumn are usually cool with fog normal at harvest
time. Most vineyards are located in two major areas; the Langhe and
Monferrato hills which are connected to the Apennines in the southeast and
the foothills of the Alps to the north between Lake Maggiore and Valle
d'Aosta.
