Piedmont

Piedmont, in north west Italy at the foot of the Alps, is home to some of the country's most distinctive and long lived wines. Its rolling Langhe hills, varied exposures and combination of continental climate and complex soils provide ideal conditions for a range of indigenous grape varieties, led by the great red grape Nebbiolo.

The region's most celebrated wines are Barolo and Barbaresco, both produced from Nebbiolo. Barolo is renowned for its combination of perfume, structure and longevity, with characteristic notes of red fruit, rose, spice and earthy complexity developing beautifully with age. Neighbouring Barbaresco is traditionally regarded as the more approachable and elegant expression, although both appellations encompass a remarkable range of individual vineyards and styles. Producers such as Gaja, Giacomo Conterno, Vietti and Bruno Giacosa have helped establish Piedmont among the world's great fine wine regions.

Beyond Nebbiolo, Barbera produces vibrant, fruit-driven reds with naturally high acidity, while Dolcetto tends towards softer, earlier drinking styles. The region also produces increasingly sought-after whites, including the fresh, mineral wines of Gavi from the Cortese grape and aromatic Roero Arneis.

From approachable Barbera and crisp Gavi to the complexity and extraordinary ageing potential of Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont combines deeply rooted winemaking traditions with an exceptional ability to express the character of individual vineyards and vintages.