Story: Piedmont | Red Wine

Piedmont is known around the world for its exquisite red wines, which come from the region's many vineyards. The region is home to some of Italy's most famous and respected red wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Alba and Nebbiolo d'Alba.

Barolo is the most famous red wine from Piedmont and is often referred to as the 'King of Wines'. The grapes for this noble wine are grown exclusively in the Langhe region and must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. The main grape used in the production of Barolo is the Nebbiolo grape, which produces a powerful, tannic wine with a dark ruby color and a complex aroma of cherries, plums, tobacco and spices.

Another famous red wine from Piedmont is Barbaresco. This wine is also made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, but unlike Barolo, it only needs to age in oak barrels for two years. Barbaresco wines have a bright garnet color and a floral aroma with notes of roses and violets. The taste is full-bodied and complex with tannins that mellow over time, giving the wine a silky texture.

Barbera d'Alba is another important red wine from Piedmont, made from the Barbera grape. This grape produces a fruity, acidic wine with an intense ruby red color and aromas of cherries, plums and spices. Unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, Barbera d'Alba can be enjoyed immediately, although some vintages of this wine can be cellared for several years.

Nebbiolo d'Alba is a red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, but unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, it can be drunk earlier. This wine has a bright ruby color and a delicate aroma of red berries and spices. The palate is full-bodied and elegant with fine tannins and a long finish.

Piedmont is also home to some lesser known but still excellent red wines such as Dolcetto d'Alba and Freisa d'Asti. Dolcetto d'Alba is made from the Dolcetto grape and has a deep red color with aromas of blackberries and black cherries. Freisa d'Asti is made from the Freisa grape and has a bright garnet red color with fresh aromas of wild berries and spices.

Overall, Piedmont offers a wide range of excellent red wines made from a variety of grapes. The region is known for its high-quality wines, which are the result of using traditional production methods and careful vineyard management. The wines are all very high quality and sophisticated and worth more than a tasting sip. - Gerardo [TS04/23]