Wines of Piedmont

Italy's second largest region is also a big wine producer, with some of the country's well-known vintages coming from here. Who hasn't heard of Barolo and Asti Spumante, after all? But there are some lesser-known grapes and blends to try, too.

Nebbiolo. The grape that gives us Barolo is also a wine in its own name. Rather than adhering to strict DOC zones or aging requirements, some vintners opt to go it on their own with this noble grape and produce wine under the simple name of Nebbiolo.

Barolo. A DOC and DOCG label gets affixed to this well-known wine, that uses 100% nebbiolo grape and falls within certain production zones around the town of Barolo, on south-facing slopes. A minimum of 3 years aging is required for the Barolo name.

Barbaresco. Another Nebbiolo wine, this one from the hamlet of Barbaresco near Alba. It may be purely Nebbiolo or with a bit of Barbera or Dolcetto blended in for balance. It is lighter and less tannic than Barolo.

Barbera. The Barbera grape has a long history in the region, going back to the Middle Ages. A widely-grown grape, Barbera is especially popular in Piedmont, where a few versions are produced: Barbera d'Asti and Barbera d'Alba being the best known. The wine is composed of at least 90% Barbera with a maximum of 10% other local grapes allowed to be put into the barrel. Barbera del Monferrato is a high-level DOCG wine that uses Dolcetto or Grignolino as its complimentary grape.

Dolcetto. The name means "little sweet one," but this wine is neither. It's bold and full with no sweetness, but instead a rich deep color and flavor. This wine is produced all over Piedmont.

Gattinara DOCG. Grown in the swath near the town of Gattinara, this vintage is garnet with a hint of orange and comes from a minimum of 90% Nebbiolo along with a bit of Vespolina or Bonarda. It is aged for a minimum of two years.

Ghemme DOCG. A small area around Ghemme brings us this vino of 90% Nebbiolo and up to 15% of Vespolina and/or Bonarda Novarese with at least three years aging. Not widely produced and sought after by those who know about it.

Boca DOC. A little-known but highly prized vintage coming from a very small zone with a microclimate and unique terroir near the alpine lakes, that give the wine a rich minerality and distinct finish that come from the patient long aging required. The vines must be at least 7 years old and the wine must be aged for at least 34 monhts. If you want to be impressed by a Nebbiolo blend, this is the one to try. It uses Nebbiolo and Vespolino.

Colline Novaresi. In the area around Novara, this wine comes from the Piedmont trifecta of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Vespolino. The white version utilizes the area's ancient, indigenous Erbaluce grapes.

Asti. Once derided overseas as a "soda pop" wine, Asti's sparkling spumante has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity recently, partly from nostalgia and partly from better vintages being exported. This celebratory wine is made from Moscato grapes, has a strong straw color and distinct nose of the Moscato - sweet and fruity with a hint of spice. It's opened to celebrate good news, births and special occasions, pairing well with desserts.