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Nestled in the majestic foothills of the Italian Alps, the Piemonte wine region is a captivating tapestry of vineyards that beckons wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Renowned for its commitment to tradition and excellence, Piemonte showcases a remarkable array of world-class wines. This enduring legacy of quality is championed by the Piemonte Land of Wine association, an advocate for the union of Piemonte wine region producers, who work collaboratively to preserve the region's rich heritage and promote its exceptional offerings.
At the heart of Piemonte lies the regal Barolo, a red wine revered as the "king of wines", which has its own DOC. Crafted from the noble Nebbiolo grape, Barolo enchants with its robust structure, enchanting aromas of roses and tar, and a depth that unveils itself over time. Alongside Barolo, its sibling Barbaresco captures hearts with its graceful elegance and ethereal charm.
Piemonte's winemaking heritage extends beyond its powerful reds, as it is also home to the refreshing whites of Gavi and Arneis, the sweet indulgence of Moscato d'Asti, and the distinctive spiciness of Barbera. These wines, crafted with meticulous care, reflect the region's unique terroir and the unwavering dedication of its winemakers.
Beyond its vinous treasures, Piemonte captivates with its picturesque landscapes dotted with medieval castles and charming hilltop towns. From the enchanting city of Turin to the rolling hills of Langhe and Roero, every corner of Piemonte offers a glimpse into Italy's rich history and winemaking legacy.
With its blend of elegance, tradition, and timeless beauty, Piemonte stands as a testament to the artistry and passion that define Italian winemaking. It invites wine lovers to embark on a sensory voyage, indulging in the captivating flavours of its wines, exploring its captivating landscapes, and immersing themselves in the essence of Piemonte's extraordinary wine culture.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
Nestled between the Alps and the plains, west of the Veneto wine region and northwest of Tuscany, Piedmont shines as a prominent Italian wine region. Within its borders lies the illustrious Langhe, a revered terroir celebrated worldwide. With vineyards gracing its undulating hills, reaching heights of 500 meters, Langhe embodies Piedmont's vinous excellence.
The Piedmont wine region in Italy experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The surrounding Alps protect the area from extreme weather, creating ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The region's diverse microclimates contribute to the production of prestigious wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.
The soil unveils a captivating tale of complexity. Limestone and sandstone merge, imparting their unique character to the wines born from this fertile terroir.
Wine sustainability has emerged as a prominent focus among producers in the Piedmont region. This is evident from the participation of numerous companies in the VIVA (Viticulture Sustainable Project) program, which has been instrumental in devising sustainable development strategies for various Italian wine regions, including Piemonte, since 2018. The VIVA program encompasses two primary objectives: the dissemination and optimization of sustainable best practices among wine producers and the enhancement of the measurement system for sustainable metrics. Moreover, it aims to engage all stakeholders within the Italian wine industry. Presently, the program boasts 19 enrolled Piedmontese wine companies, positioning the region as the fourth highest participant, surpassing Tuscany and Veneto with 22 and Sicily with 44 enrollees, respectively.
Most Planted Red Grapes Varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
Most Planted White Grapes Varieties: Moscato
Piemonte, one of Italy's premier wine regions, boasts a diverse range of wine styles and grape varieties. Several wines have gained popularity and acclaim both within Italy and internationally. Here are some of the most popular types of wines in Piemonte:
The production of wine has always taken place in the Piemonte region; viticulture was likely already practiced by celiano-ligure communities in the VI century B.C., but it later spread under Roman rule.
All of the best viticultural regions for wine production were already identified by the Middle Ages. As a result, during the VIII century AC, the canons of the Casale cathedral cleared the area and cultivated vines, especially Barbesino, the modern-day Grignolino, becoming for Monferrato what the monks of Cluny were for Borgoña.
The first mention of Nebbiolo dates back to 1268 and refers to the vineyards grown in Rivoli moraine, behind Turin. It is also mentioned by Pietro de' Crescenzi in his Ruralium Commodorum, Book Two, in 1330, indicating its spread throughout Monferrato.
The great Piedmontese reds, however, did not acquire their popularity worldwide in the nineteenth century. The first Barolo wine was created at the Grinzane castle owing to Cavour and his cellar masters. Then, owing to Domenio Cavazza, the head of the wine school in Alba, Barbaresco solidified its character around the turn of the century.
In the first half of the 20th century, the region faced several challenges, mainly caused by phylloxera, the fragmentation of the peasantry, the First World War and a large-scale emigration of producers to America. However, Piedmont wine did not perish; on the contrary, it began to take steps to maintain its quality.
At the end of the 19th century, many producers started requesting the delineation of the primary production zones. This led the Comizio Agrario Albese to establish restrictions on the areas of Barolo production in 1909. Then it was not until 1967 that the first Piemonte DOC, Carema, was created in the region.
The 1980s saw a turning point: a new generation of winemakers returned to the region, bringing new winemaking styles and techniques. Thus, Piemonte wine began to adapt to international markets.
Finally, in 2011, the last DOC to date, Calosso, was created. Under this DOC, three types of wine are created with the red variety Gamba Rossa: Rosso, Passará and Rosso Riserva. To date, Piemonte has 41 DOCs and 18 DOCGs.
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