Piedmont (or Piemonte) wines are made in the northwestern corner of Italy. With the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Alps to the north and west, the Piedmont region enjoys a continental climate. This means cold winters and very warm, dry summers, with dense fog common in the fall. Most of the highly acclaimed Piedmont wines are from the south-central, Alba area, and also from the Asti and Alessandria, slightly farther east and north.
The region’s most lauded wines, Barolo and Barbaresco, come from the Nebbiolo grape, whose ancestral home is Piedmont. The best Barolo and Barbaresco wines are produced in small quantities on a number of mostly south-facing ridges sitting above the October fog (nebbia) in the Langhe hills around Alba (also the country’s white truffle capital). The considerably less expensive reds Dolcetto and Barbera have garnered wide acclaim in export markets in the last ten years--due in part to the elevated price tags of Barolo and Barbaresco.
The growing popularity of Piedmont gastronomy has also contributed to the interest in local wines. The innate acidity and taut structure of Piedmont wines make for an invigorating backdrop to the region’s hearty meat dishes. The wines’ complex earthy/ floral personality also works amicably with the other local star, the truffle. As the worlds of good wine and good food continue to merge, an area known for both is bound to prosper.
In terms of whites, Gavi is the most popular from Piedmont and it’s also the most widely available in the U.S. Gavi is produced almost entirely from the Cortese grape planted in the province of Alessandria, in the region’s extreme south. Gavi di Gavi wines are produced in vineyards bordering the town of Gavi. Most all of these whites are very dry, and feature a mid-level complexity and concentration. The best of them are crisp but they commonly come up short on verve and grip, and are best enjoyed early.
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: Impressive roses and finely ground spices with a bright red-cherry core, as well as a fresh wild-herb thread. The sense of focus and purity here is stunning. The palate has a deeply juicy and fresh core of tightly knit...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: A tight and focused Le Vigne with strawberry, orange-peel and floral aromas and hints of hazelnuts. Not giving it all now. Full-bodied, very intense and focused. Extremely long and polished, tannic finish. Drink in 2023...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Aromatic depth here, drawing you in with cascading layers of flowers and leaves, fresh-tilled earth laced with woody spices, white pepper and fresh red fruit. The palate carries a very sturdy frame of fine, dense tannins...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: This delivers a fresh and vibrant impression on the nose with ripe red cherries and a deep-set, rose perfume. The palate has impressive power and focus with chiseled, driving tannins that cut a straight line of pure, red...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Extremely complex and intense aromas of sliced meat, flowers and ripe fruit, but perfumed at the same time. Full-bodied, very chewy and powerful with a long and flavorful finish. Needs four or five years to soften. Try in...
Wine Spectator, 94 points: Exotic aromas of rose, peony, raspberry and kirsch are shaded by juniper, wild thyme and tar accents. This is an elegant red, firmly structured yet balanced and long, with a persistent, detailed finish. Best from 2022...
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: Aromas of asphalt and tar that turn to dried strawberries, plums and citrus fruit. Full body, yet agile and very refined with a beautiful balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. Extremely persistent and focused finish. All...
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: Woodland berry, blue flower, sunbaked soil and a whiff of dark spice shape the nose. Structured and extremely elegant, the focused, impeccable palate doles out juicy red cherry, strawberry, baking spice and star anise set...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: Woodland berry, iris, menthol and star anise aromas slowly take shape on this elegantly structured, savory red. Enveloping and delicious, the focused palate delivers raspberry compote, dried black cherry, licorice and...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Extremely floral and exotic on the nose with gorgeous fruit and wild aromas. Full body, chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Just a hint of wood at the end. Shows focus and depth. Give four or five years, please...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Very perfumed and pretty with cherry, dried fruit and orange peel. Hints of sandalwood, too. Full body, layered and refined. Smoke, tar and spice aftertaste to the fruit. Drink in 2019.
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: This has a very impressive nose with ripe red cherries and plums, as well as abundant notes of sweet spice. The palate delivers a very assertive, plush and fleshy impression with a core of incredibly vibrant fruit that...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: Dark-skinned berry, pipe tobacco, a hint of menthol and a whiff of blue flower slowly take shape in the glass. Full bodied, with the firm's hallmark finesse, the smooth savory palate boasts succulent morello cherry...
Wine Enthusiast, 99 points: Rose, violet, red-berry and baking-spice aromas mingle with a whiff of menthol on this compelling gorgeous red. The vibrant full-bodied palate is all about flair and finesse, delivering crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Exotic aromas of berries, grapefruit, dried flowers and cedar. Full body and very intense tannins that are integrated and polished. Beautiful, flavorful finish. Give it time. Try in 2023.
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We had the La Risana on our last vacation and loved it. JJ Buckley not only had the wine available when no one else did but at a great price as well. Very happy with the purchase.
-Andrew G., July 2019
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