Located in north-west Italy, Piemonte
is revered in the wine world and is
often referred to as Italy’s answer to Burgundy. With a long-standing tradition of making wines of great elegance and distinction, and with a cucina to rival the best of France, it’s no wonder Piemonte has become a wine and foodies mecca. The scents alone are enough to draw the crowds: world-famous white truffles, pungent funghi, and above all else,
the fascinating perfume of Barolo wine.
There are 3 great wine varieties of Piemonte: nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto. Each is distinct, but they fit together a bit like a puzzle. |
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Nebbiolo
The noble nebbiolo grape is the aristocrat of Piemonte. The variety’s name is derived from nebbia meaning 'fog', in reference to the rolling blankets of mist that cloak the Langhe hills
each autumn. All the hard work spent cultivating this challenging variety is definitely worth it: it produces intriguingly perfumed and powerful reds, including the famous Barolo wines. These wines are revered for their impressive structure, their balance of sweet, savory and spicy elements, and their complex and fascinating aromas that best reveal themselves with age. |
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Barbera
Another native of Piemonte, Barbera
is planted widely in the region, so there
is a great variation in wine styles. Barbera tends to produce full-flavoured, ruby-red wines with the red-fruit flavours of cherries, raspberries and currents, and spicy or earthy notes. These wines have a high level of natural acidity and
a relatively low level of tannin. Barbera was traditionally an 'all occasion' wine for the Piemontese, but it is now receiving increasing recognition and acclaim on the world stage, as more winemakers realise its potential for producing rich, complex and elegant wines. |
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Dolcetto
Completing the puzzle is the dolcetto variety, which is the most vivacious of the three. Dolcetto (meaning 'little sweet one') produces forwardly-fruity reds with plush black-fruit flavours. Dolcetto distinguishes itself from barbera and nebbiolo with its deep violet-purple colour, its low acidity, and its sweet but full tannins. It is a fun and fruity wine that is best enjoyed in its youthful freshness, although many wines are now produced with the capacity to be aged. Its plush, round flavours make dolcetto perfect for everyday drinking. |
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