What are the best wines of Piedmont? Discover our list with photos, description and tasting of the best 20 best wines of Piedmont. From the most famous wines to the lesser known ones of the best wineries in Piedmont.
Also discover the article dedicated to the best Barolos, the best Barbarescos, the best Barbera and the best Alta Langa sparkling wines.
INDICE
- Overview of Wines of Piedmont
- Terroir of Wines of Piedmont
- Best Barolo
- Best Barbaresco
- Best Barbera
- Best Alta Langa
- Best white and red wines from Piedmont
- Gastronomy of Piedmont
WINES OF PIEDMONT
What are the best wines of Piedmont? Among the best wines of Piedmont we can mention important wines such as Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Barbera D’Alba DOC, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG, Alta Langa DOCG, Gattinara DOCG, Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, Roero DOCG, Nizza DOCG, Asti Spumante DOCG, Gavi DOCG, Terre Alfieri DOCG, Timorasso Colli Tortonesi DOC and many others.
Let’s briefly discover some of the characteristics of some of the best wines of Piedmont.
TERROIR AND PRODUCTION AREAS – WINES OF PIEDMONT
What are the typical terroirs of Piedmont and the production areas of wines of Piedmont? Let’s discover the main wine-growing areas of Piedmont.
Piedmont is a region characterized by a mixed landscape, in which hills (30.3%), plains (26.4%) and mountains (43.3%) alternate. The climate is continental and is characterized by long cold, snowy winters and hot summers, with significant temperature variations that allow excellent ripening of late varieties such as Nebbiolo.
The great strength of Piedmont is inherent in the heterogeneity of the territory: the various production areas differ significantly from each other, giving a unique typicality to wines of Piedmont. We can therefore distinguish several fundamental production areas: the Langhe, Roero, Monferrato, the Tortona hills, the Canavese and Upper Piedmont.
Langhe
Among the best wines of Piedmont certainly one of the most important territories is the Langhe. The Langhe extend into the lower Piedmont, between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti.
In this area famous red wines of Piedmont are produced such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, while heading towards the Asti area there is part of the production of Asti Spumante wines (Sweet sparkling wine ) and Moscato d’Asti (still sweet wine).
The Langhe also produces the Alta Langa DOCG classic method sparkling wines.
Roero
One of the most important production areas for the best wines of Piedmont is certainly Roero, a historic hilly region of lower Piedmont that rises east of the Tanaro river.
The most common varieties in this production area are Arneis, an ancient native piedmont white grape variety from which the famous piedmont white wine Roero Arneis DOCG is produced, and Nebbiolo, from which the red wine Roero DOCG is obtained.
Monferrato
Monferrato is the largest production area of wines of Piedmont, and includes the provinces of Alessandria and Asti.
In the Astigiano Monferrato, great interpretations of Barbera are produced, such as Barbera d’Asti, Nizza, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore, but also many other piedmont red wines such as Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, Calosso, obtained from the native leg of partridge , and Albarossa.
Among the most resonant white wines produced in the Monferrato Astigiano, we find first of all Moscato, with its Asti DOCG (sweet sparkling wine) and Moscato d’Asti DOCG (still sweet wine) denominations. Moscato also produces dry piedmont white wines, which however represent a small niche compared to the sweet and semi-sweet versions.
Alto Monferrato
The Alto Monferrato area, which corresponds to the northern area of the province of Alessandria, is instead home to many of the best white wines from Piedmont such as the famous Gavi DOCG, obtained from 100% Cortese grapes.
Alto Monferrato, and in particular the Acquese area, is also the production center of some of the best aromatic wines from Piedmont such as d’Acqui and Moscato d’Asti Strevi.
Colli Tortonesi
Among the best wines of Piedmont, those from the Colli Tortonesi area deserve a mention. In the south-eastern area of the province of Alessandria, precisely in the Tortona Hills area, Timorasso (also called Derthona Timorasso) is produced, a niche but very interesting white wine of Piedmont.
Canavese
Wines of Piedmont from the Canavese area are produced in an extended area between the province of Turin and the Aosta Valley.
This is the production area of typical red wines of Piedmont based on Nebbiolo, Bonarda and Freisa, but above all of the Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, a passito from Piedmont or sparkling white wine that is unique in terms of freshness and complexity.
Alto Piemonte
Among the wines of Piedmont of great interest are the wines of Upper Piedmont, an area that includes the pedo-mountain areas of Novara, Biella and Vercelli up to Monte Rosa.
In the northernmost area in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, piedmont wines from the Ossola Valley are produced, a niche but interesting production.
Here are born wines particularly obtained from Nebbiolo such as the historic Gattinara DOCG and DOCG Ghemme, but also the Boca DOC, Lessona DOC, Bramaterra DOC and Fara DOC wines.
VARIETIES OF PIEDMONT – DOC and DOCG of Wines of Piedmont
Piedmont has a vineyard area of approximately 48,000 hectares, with a large prevalence of historical and traditional indigenous varieties.
Autochthonous variety of wines of Piedmont – Piedmont boasts innumerable autochthonous fine varieties, both white and black. Among these, the historic Barbera, which occupies about 30% of the wine production of Piedmont, Dolcetto, a variety from Piedmont widely spread in southern Piedmont, and Nebbiolo, considered one of the noblest grapes in the world, stand out.
Other traditional Piedmont black berried varieties are Grignolino, Pelaverga, Freisa, Ruchè, Croatina, Vespolina, Piedmontese Bonarda (or Uva rara) and black Malvasia di Schierano and di Casorzo.
Among the white grape varieties from which wines of Piedmont are produced we find first of all the Moscato Bianco di Canelli, produced in particular in the province of Asti, which plays a leading role occupying about 22% of the vineyard area of Piedmont.
Not least the Cortese grape, a great piedmont white variety widespread in Gavi, the Erbaluce in the Canavese area and the Arneis, very common in the Roero. Other niche white grape varieties but of great interest are Timorasso and Favorita, both native white grape varieties that have rediscovered an excellent terroir in the Langhe and Tortona Hills areas.
Non-native varieties of piedmont wines – Among the most widespread international varieties in Piedmont, Pinot Noir, brother of Nebbiolo from beyond the Alps, mainly used as a base for important Classic Method sparkling wines, and Chardonnay, from which still white wines with great evolution or sparkling wines both alone and blended with Pinot Noir.
BEST 20 PIEDMONT WINES – Recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
What are the best wines of Piedmont? So let’s see together a list of the 20 best wines of Piedmont and discover their characteristics with our tasting so that everyone can find the best Piedmont wines suited to their tastes.
To discover the excellences, discover our archive with articles dedicated to the best wine producers in Piedmont.
OTHER BEST PIEDMONT WHITE AND RED WINES
Now that we have discovered the best wines of Piedmont of the most important denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti, Barbera d’Alba, Barbera del Monferrato and Nizza, let’s discover other wines of great value.
Derthona Costa del Vento 2017 – Massa Vineyards
Characteristics: Nose initially played on floral notes of orange blossom, flanked by registers of tropical fruit, embellished with more enigmatic hints of officinal herbs, hydrocarbons and viennoiserie. Palate characterized by a pressing acidity of backbone and an imperishable persistence finish with echoes in which the fruit echoes the protagonist.
One of the best wines of Piedmont for its whimsical elegance: the alternating note of iodized flavor and acidity creates a very convincing dialectic.
Grapes: Timorasso 100%
Approximate price: 45 €
Timorasso Derthona ‘Pitasso’ 2017 – Claudio Mariotto
Characteristics: Orange peel, acacia and chestnut honey are mixed with bay leaves, embellished with hints of hydrocarbons. On the palate it is voluminous, fresh and exciting with a great iodized note that amplifies the sip. End of imperishable persistence in which all the aromatic nuances echo.
From one of the most iconic producers of Timorasso: A sui generis wine, whimsical and engaging. Among the best wines of Piedmont for maximizing the oenological potential of Timorasso.
Grapes: Timorasso 100%
Approximate price: 33 €
Gavi ‘Monterotondo’ 2017 – Villa Sparina
Characteristics: Peaches in syrup and orange blossom are mixed with brackish tones of medicinal herbs. On the palate it is pressing, fresh and savory, with an amazing drinkability. Excellent persistence of great precision and length.
A virtuous interpretation of Gavi with a sensational evolutionary potential, one of the best wines of Piedmont for persistence and olfactory flair.
Grapes: Cortese 100%
Approximate price: 46 €
Gaja & Rey Gaja 2018 – Gaja
Characteristics: A riot of ripe and tropical yellow pulp fruits that fade towards citrus tones, resin and acacia honey and delicate balsamic sensations.
A strong white wine with a meditative character: the palate has a particularly pronounced acidity that gives great smoothness and aromas of unusual finesse.
A lysergic wine of great eloquence: it fascinates on the nose with the clear varietal of Chardonnay and the power of the terroir unfolds on the palate. To be counted among the best wines of Piedmont.
Grapes: Chardonnay 100%
Approximate price: 180 €
Timorasso ‘Fausto’ Vigne 2017 – Marina Coppi
Characteristics: It opens on hints of broom, exotic yellow-fleshed fruits, aromatic herbs and hints of saltiness. The sip is voluminous, with a grainy iodized saline presence.
One of the best and most sincere interpretations of Timorasso, great identity and territorial character. A wine that tells us without compromise the great eloquence of the terroir of the Tortona hills. Fully among the best wines of Piedmont.
Indicative price 33 €
‘CCC’ Ricci – Daniele Ricci
Features: Suggests notes of yellow fruit, citrus notes, sage, woody notes and wet stone. Penetrating acidity on the palate supported by an immersive flavor. Intense and persistent finish. Orange wine, fermentation with indigenous yeasts.
Among the best wines of Piedmont for its unique character: excellent persistence in which the varietal character of the fruit embellished with delicate oxidative notes echoes penetrating and protagonist.
Indicative price 38 €
Timorasso ‘Il Montino’ 2018 – La Colombera
Characteristics: Nose rich in facets, including citrus notes of orange blossom, balsamic and hydrocarbons. Fresh and strong on the palate, with a sensational persistence finish.
Among the best interpretations of Timorasso for evolutionary potential: very complex and seductive olfactory picture, structure, balance and flavor. The very clear fruit stands out embellished with evolutionary notes. Certainly one of the best wines of Piedmont.
Indicative price € 24
Erbaluce di Caluso ’13 mesi’ 2019 – Benito Favaro
A Demua Novemesi 2016 – Cascina degli Ulivi – Bellotti
Description: The nose is broad and penetrating, with notes of lemon peel and ripe yellow pulp fruits, vanilla and mustard and chalky suggestions. When tasted, it is balanced, whole and fresh.
A vibrant interpretation of Erbaluce di Caluso, of great eloquence on the nose, which is only a prelude to the voluminousness of the palate. Among the best wines of Piedmont for freshness and drinkability.
Approximate price: 18 €
Dogliani Superiore ‘Bricco Botti’ 2017 – Pecchenino
Characteristics: A riot of ripe dark berries that fade towards withered flowers, graphite and mentholated sensations. A strong Dogliani, with sophisticated and enigmatic aromas and great cleanliness on the palate.
Among the best for versatility. Interesting value for money.
Approximate price: € 20
Grignolino d’Asti ‘Margherita Barbero’ 2018 – Luigi Sperticò
Characteristics: It opens fragrant, passionate among red flowers, black cherry and light vanilla. On the palate it develops greedy on a well-marked lively tannic texture.
Among the best wines of Piedmont for aromatic finesse: It is an engaging wine, with an expansive and eloquent nose.
The value for money must be taken into consideration.
Indicative price of the best: € 26.50
Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato ‘Limpronta’ 2017 – Montalbera
Description: Red fruits in evidence including black cherry, musk and undergrowth followed by pleasant spicy sweet notes.
One of the best Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato for its classic character: An unmissable, fascinating wine of great elegance.
Fully among the best wines of Piedmont.
Indicative price of the best: 21 €
Invictus Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG 2019 – Tenuta Montemagno
Olfactory it outlines unmistakable notes of black cherry, Mon Chéri and floral tones of violet that evolve towards sweet spices and medicinal herbs.
The sip is wide and of very pleasant silkiness, softness and aided by a light sweet note. The tannin is well smoothed and stretches towards an elegant and persistent finish in which the fruity floral tones echo.
An exciting wine: the result of a philosophy that maximizes the potential of the Monferrato terroir. Penetrating aromas and soft and voluminous palate, certainly among the best best wines of Piedmont for its eloquent drink and tannins of unusual finesse.
A Demua Novemesi 2016 – Cascina degli Ulivi – Bellotti
Characteristics: Fragrant opens on notes of hawthorn, lime and peach in syrup to continue towards balsamic and graphite echoes. The sip is rich and dense, with a slightly bitter finish with good persistence that lengthens the drink.
A refined and complex macerate, seductive and highly recognizable. Among the best best wines of Piedmont for eloquence and typicality.
Grapes: Bosco, Chasselas, Riesling Italico, Timorasso
Indicative price: 30 €
Gavi ‘Monterotondo’ 2018 – Villa Sparina
Description: It opens on delicious notes of chamomile, acacia flowers and apricot jam, embellished with honeyed tones and hints of hydrocarbon. On the palate there is a strong sapid-mineral vein which is counterbalanced by a very soft glycerine line. Persistent finish with excellent balance.
From the Cru of Villa Sparina comes a Cortese unique of its kind, with a very soft sip and at the same time fresh and tonic. Fully among the best best wines of Piedmont for balance and biting character.
Approximate price: 45 €
La Scolca Black Label 2019 – Gavi dei Gavi
Description: Chamomile and lime blossom fade towards hints of apricot and bitter almond. On the palate it flows broadly, characterized by a pleasant granular flavor that culminates in a fruity closure made intriguing by a light bitter note.
A label that reveals to us one of the most elegant expressions of Cortese, of great identity and territorial character. Deservedly among the best wines of Piedmont.
Approximate price: 26 €
Gavi Riserva ‘Vigna della Rovere Verde’ 2017 – La Mesma
Description: Acacia flowers, jasmine and hawthorn blend to decisive notes of cedar and mandarin rind and chalky hints. The sip is fresh, balanced and of excellent persistence.
The Mesma delights us with a fragrant and seductive label, to be counted among the best best wines of Piedmont for freshness and fluence on the palate. Good value for money.
Indicative price: € 24
Roero Arneis ‘Bricco delle Ciliegie’ 2020 – Giovanni Almondo
Description: Fragrant olfactory profile, on which wild flowers, citrus notes of pink grapefruit and hints of white peach stand out. The sip is refreshing and well balanced, characterized by a very pleasant sapid trail that leaves the mouth fresh and satisfied.
One of the best best wines of Piedmont on a taste-olfactory level, with a fine and inviting bouquet, a prelude to a salty and crunchy sip.
Indicative price: 20 €
Roero Arneis ‘Cecu d’la Biunda’ 2020 – Monchiero Carbone
Description: Sage, jasmine and wild mint act as an overture together with notes of pink grapefruit and apricot. The sip confirms the sense of smell, rich in aromatic suggestions and supported by a beautiful acid blade. Good persistence finish.
‘Cecu d’la Biunda’ is a wine steeped in freshness, a riot of fruit and balsamic. Fully qualified among the best best wines of Piedmont for the multifaceted nose and the wide and vibrant sip.
Approximate price: € 15
Roero Arneis ‘Saglietto’ 2018 – Malvirà
Description: Elderflower and lime honey blend with tones of peaches in syrup, saffron and toasted stamps. On the palate it is soft and intense, with a glycerine finish in which fruit and spices are the protagonists.
Deservedly among the best best wines of Piedmont for presence on the palate and olfactory delicacy. A unique Arneis of its kind, refined and eloquent.
Indicative price: 20 €
Gattinara Riserva 2015 – Travaglini
Description: Nose layered on notes of potpourri of red roses, cherries in jam, licorice and flint. On the palate it is supported by a velvety tannic texture and a nice flavor that makes the sip very long.
A visceral, lysergic interpretation of Nebbiolo. Travaglini gives us a unique and exciting Gattinara, a synthesis of juice and flavor. Fully among the best best wines of Piedmont.
Approximate price: 40 €
Gattinara ‘Pietro’ 2016 – Paride Iaretti
Description: It opens on aromas of raspberries, rose jam and sour cherries embellished with notes of white pepper, tobacco and licorice. It envelops the palate with smooth tannins and an important acid shoulder that pulls the sip towards a spicy and intense finish.
Great eloquence in which the varietal character of the grape echoes. Pietro is a label with a classic and refined character, a riot of fruit and balsamic flavor. Deservedly among the best wines of Piedmont.
Approximate price: 33 €
Gattinara ‘Vigna Valferana’ 2014 – Cantine Nervi
Description: Red currant and cherries in spirit blend at notes of blood orange, rhubarb, licorice root, cardamom and focay stone. On the palate it reveals structure and elegance, coaded by a masterly integrated acid vein. Finishing final persistence.
A sublime and timeless interpretation, which expresses the quintessence of the character of the Nebbiolo. Nervi cellars delights us once again with a Lisergic label, the flagship of best wines of Piedmont.
Indicative price: € 80
Gattinara ‘Osso San Grato’ 2015 – Antoniolo
Description: Potpourri of roses and violets and delicate hints of humus blend with notes of small ripe red fruits, mentholated hints and memories of candied orange peel. The mouth is full and dry, with clear and well-defined tannins animated by a lively minerality that gives verticality to the sip. Excellent reto-olfactory persistence.
One of the most successful interpretations of Gattinara. Antoniolo gives us a Dionysian wine, with a material and seductive sip. Without any doubt among the best best wines of Piedmont for quality and pleasantness.
Approximate price: 68 €
Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2020 – La Toledana
Description: It opens on notes of chamomile and acacia flowers, embellished with cedar, mandarin and apricot peel. On the palate it is fresh and savory, with a very pleasant almond note on the finish that invites you to drink it.
A lively and intriguing wine, which satisfies the palate with citrus tones and a delicate sapid-granular note. Deservedly among the best wines of Piedmont.
Approximate price: € 15
Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2018 – Bruno Broglia
Description: Linden honey and wild mint are the prelude to notes of yellow peach, dehydrated apricots, papaya and hints of flint. The sip, full and pounding, is characterized by a nice minerality.
A pressing Cortese, with a clean, ample and refreshing sip. Among the best best wines of Piedmont for balance between pulp and minerality.
Approximate price: 25 €
GASTRONOMY OF PIEDMONT
Now that we have discovered the best best wines of Piedmont, the question arises spontaneously, what to pair with wines of Piedmont? Piedmont boasts an enviable gastronomic tradition, rich in culinary excellence such as cheeses and cold cuts, hazelnuts, mushrooms, truffles and game.
Among the most identifying recipes of this region we find the Bagna Cauda (translatable as “ hot sauce ”), a dish of peasant origin typical of the harvest period which consists of a sauce based on garlic, desalted anchovies and olive oil used as sauce for piedmont autumn vegetables such as peppers, cardoons and celery.
Piedmont also offers a wide range of typical cheeses such as Fonduta, often used in combination with truffles, Gorgonzola, piedmont Toma, Bra, Robiola and Bruss delle Langhe.
Among the meat dishes we remember the Braised with Barolo, a typical dish of Alba prepared with beef from the Fassona breed, the Vitel Tonnè (or Vitello Tonnato), the typical Boiled meat of Monferrato and the Wild boar in civet with polenta.
In addition, Piedmont is also nationally recognized for traditional sweets such as Amaretti di Mombaruzzo, Torrone d’Alba, Panna Cotta and Marron Glacé, but also for chocolates such as gianduiotti and truffles in the Turin area.
What are the best wines of Piedmont?
What are the best wines of Piedmont? Choosing is a difficult undertaking, which however inevitably is subject to the limits of a subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary. We have compiled our list of virtuous quality interpretations of the best wines of Piedmont from the best wineries according to our evaluations.
However, it remains essential to underline that the best wines of Piedmont are those that are able to excite us, also by binding themselves to contingent situations and unrepeatable and intimate moments of our life.
Therefore, we invite you to discover all the wineries that produce Piedmont wines in their uniqueness, so that you can independently find and choose the wine that can be counted for you among your best Piedmont wines.
