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.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: Fruit for the 2010 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is harvested at 450 meters above sea level in the Neive township. These conditions shape a radically different character. This wine is precise and sharp with finely etched...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 96 points: The 2013 Barolo Via Nuova is the most tannic and explosive of these three Barolos. The flavors are dark, powerful and intense throughout. Beams of searing tannin and vibrant, pointed acidity wrap around the virile...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Extremely complex and showing the terroir of Serralunga with rose stems, wet earth, strawberries and mushrooms. Orange peel to boot. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. Fascinating character that...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: A dense and beautiful red with plum, chocolate and mineral character. Hints of sandalwood too. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a delicious finish. Already gorgeous. Drink or hold.
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 94 points: A huge, thrilling wine, the 2011 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore Bricco Battista is endowed with magnificent depth and tons of personality. Layers of intense Barbera fruit burst from the glass in a racy, opulent wine...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Aromas of dark berries, flowers and truffles. Full-bodied, super-integrated and refined. Great texture and a fantastic finish. Don't miss this. So approachable now but will be great for years in the future.
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is a red with fascinating aromas of strawberry skin, dried flowers and truffles. Full body with silky tannins and wonderful balance and finesse. It caresses every inch of your palate. Try in 2017.
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 93 points: Dark red cherries, spices, new leather and menthol are woven together in the 2012 Barbera del Monferrato Giulin. Hints of lavender and violets develop in the glass, adding attractive floral overtones. The combination of...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 93 points: The 2013 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is lifted, precise and beautifully delineated, all signatures of the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint and rose petals are some of the many scents that lift from the...
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: The aromas of flowers, blackberries, and white truffles are superb. Full to medium body and ultra-fine tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. An amazing Cicala. Don't miss this. Drink in 2022.
Wine Spectator, 94 points: Extremely fresh and pure, this red exhibits rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, with accents of licorice and leather. Balanced and elegant, revealing a long, resonant aftertaste of sticks and stones. Beautiful harmony...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: I am extremely impressed by Aldo Conterno's 2011 Barolo Bussia. The wine exhibits magnificent harmony and integrity, especially considering the warm temperatures of this vintage. It is elegant inside and out with a patina...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Wonderful complexity and subtlety here with firmness. Aromas of orange peel, stones, walnuts and dark fruits. Medium to full body, plenty of fruit and a racy finish. A beauty. Drink or hold.
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: This is a fabulous young Barolo with a purity and beauty that is breathtaking. Full body plus a deep and subtle center palate of strawberry, light cherry and hints of citrus. Really superb. Drink or hold.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: One notch down on the intensity ladder is the 2009 Barolo Ciabot Mentin. Less obvious and definitely more flirtatious, this gorgeous wine playfully dangles subtle hints of licorice, dark fruit, anisette and Middle Eastern...
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