Piedmont wines are one of best known italian wines around the world. The production of wines in Piedmont is one of the most relevant in italy. Piedmont wines counts about 50 D.O.C. rated wines (D.O.C. means: 'Denominazione di Origine Controllata': the Italians have strict controls on their wines, regulated by specific laws to ensure origin, intrinsic quality, and authenticity). The wine manufacturing in this area places his roots in I century A.C. as evidenced by archeological retrives in area.
One of secret of the quality of Piedmont wines is that the grapes grows mainly on hills. This kind of cultivation causes high costs and low quantities of grapes but that produces excellent quality wines.
The Well known production zone of Piedmond is the 'Langhe' where noble red wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo are produced. Near the 'Langhe' zone we found the 'Roero' with white wines like Arneis and Favorita. Near Asti we found Barbera DAsti, Moscato DAsti, Grignolino, Ruchè and Freisa wines. Moving near the border with liguria region, in the zone called 'Alto Monferrato' we found other excellent wines like Brachetto, Gavi and Cortese.
The traditional Barolo and Barbaresco were admired almost as cult wines, though often criticized as too elaborate for modern palates. But the combination of favorable vintages and perfection of techniques among winemakers, many of them young, seems to be changing the old-fashioned image. Barolo and Barbaresco have retained their ample dimensions while becoming better balanced and more approachable than before.
Piedmont is a leading producer of sparkling wines. Foremost among them is Asti, the worlds most popular sweet bubbly wine. The market for this fragrant white is actually larger abroad than in Italy. In fact, worldwide demand is so great that a shortage of Moscato di Canelli grapes has developed. Piedmont is also a major producer of dry sparkling wines by both the classical and charmat methods, though many of the Chardonnay and Pinot grapes used for them originate outside the region, mainly in neighboring Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy or in Trentino-Alto Adige.
The best production of Piedmont wines are the strong red wines that can be served with tipical Piedmont foods like truffles, cheese and meat.
By: Davide Farace
Davide Farace is the owner of italianwinescenter.com. Find out more info on Italian Wines
