Between the Alps in the north and the Apennines in the south is where you will find the Piedmont wine area. The viticulture of the area is significantly influenced by these two mountain ranges. They are in charge of creating the terroir and a climate that produce significantly high-quality Piemonte Italian wine. On calcareous marl or subpar sandstone soils, the Apennines provide a mountainous region in the south where the best Piedmont vineyards can be found.
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The Piedmont region borders France and Switzerland and is situated in the foothills of the Alps. The Liguria region forms Lombardy’s southern border along the Apennines, while the Valle d’Aosta lies to the northwest and east, respectively. Only 30% of the territory is suited for vineyard plantings due to the Po Valley’s extensive land use and the region’s extensive steep terrain.
The Piedmont wine area has a colder, continental winter climate and much less rainfall due to the rain shadow effect of the Alps, even though the winemaking districts of the Piedmont and Bordeaux are fairly near in latitude. Typically, vineyards are grown on hillsides between 490 and 1150 feet in elevation (150-400 meters). Nebbiolo or Barbera are primarily grown on the warmer south-facing hills, whereas Dolcetto or Moscato are planted on the cooler grounds.
Table of Contents
What is the Overview of Piedmont?
What is the Best Time to Visit Piedmont?
What is the History of Piedmont?
What are the Sub-regions of Piedmont?
What are the Best Wine Grapes Grown in Piedmont?
What are Historical Sites in Piedmont?
What are the Best Wineries in Piedmont?
Where Should I Eat in Piedmont?
Where Should I Stay in Piedmont?
How Can I Save Money in Piedmont?
What is the Overview of Piedmont
Piedmont is the second-largest geographical region in Italy and the seventh-largest wine-producing region. Of Piedmont’s 25,399 square kilometers, almost 45,000 hectares are covered with vines. 5 percent of Italian wine is produced in Piemonte, and the region accounts for about 18 percent of all exports. Small vineyards where the growers also create wine account for the majority of the region’s wine production. The average vineyard in the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the region, Barolo and Barbaresco, is merely five acres large and produces roughly 10,000 bottles annually.
What is the Best Time to Visit Piedmont?
Wine visitors who want to enjoy Piedmont outside in the summer prefer the months of June through September, while skiers will like Piedmont and its mountains in the winter.
What is the History of Piedmont?
The Celtic-Ligurian peoples, who lived in the area and engaged in winemaking as early as the sixth century BC, are credited with giving the wine its beginnings in Piedmont. The designation of the best wine-growing regions began in the Middle Ages when vines of Barbesino (now called Grignolino) and Nebbiolo were planted in Turin and Upper Piedmont, respectively. Piedmontese red wines started to resemble modern Piedmontese wines in the nineteenth century. The efforts of the Marquises Falletti and Count Camillo Benso di Cavour gave birth to Barolo in 1830. Domizio Cavazza, the creator of the Cantine Sociali di Barbaresco and the head of the renowned oenological school of Alba, was also responsible for the later creation of Barbaresco, another outstanding manifestation of Nebbiolo. The World Wars that followed, emigration to the Americas, and escape from the countryside all contributed to a rapid decline in viticulture in 1900, which saw the area farmed drop by half in less than 20 years.
The great wines of the Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero regions were reinterpreted in the 1980s as a result of a significant return to the land in these regions. New production techniques were used inspired by Burgundy and Bordeaux’s great wines, to produce more elegant and balanced wines while eschewing the austere and rustic style.
What are the Sub-regions of Piedmont
About 90% of the wine produced in the region is in the southern region of Piedmont, in and around the cities of Alba (near Cuneo), Asti, and Alessandria. Five sizable sub-regions make up the Piemonte wine region.
- Canavese
Canavese is a historical and geographical subalpine region in northwestern Italy that is currently a part of the Metropolitan City of Turin in Piedmont. Ivrea, the country’s largest city, is well known for its castles.
- The Colline Novaresi
The Colline Novaresi wine appellation is situated 40 kilometers from Milan, 30 kilometers from Lake Lago Maggiore, and north of Piedmont. It is situated between the Seccia and Ticino rivers in a high, mountainous area to the north of Novara.
- Coste della Sesia
In Piedmont, northwest Italy, there is a DOC called Coste della Sesia that includes red, white, and rosé wines. The vineyards are located in the northern part of the region, close to the Aosta border, in the hills just east of Biella.
- The Langhe
The Langhe is a hilly area to the south and east of the river Tanaro that produces wine in the south of the Piemonte region. Today, this area is regarded as one of the region’s most well-known and noteworthy wine regions.
- Monferrato
The Piedmont part in the northwest of Italy includes the Monferrato wine region. The broader territory, which has a history that dates back to the ancient Celts, also roughly includes the present provinces of Alessandria and Asti. The Tanaro River divides the region in half.
What are the Best Wine Grapes Grown in Piedmont
The region is well known for its red wines made from grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto as well as its white wines made from Cortese, Arneis, and Moscato, despite the fact that some worldwide varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated here.
What are the Historical Sites in Piedmont?
Piedmont is known for many things, including several world-class historic monuments and landmarks. We have listed some of the historical sites that you should consider visiting in this region.
- Area Archeologica di Libarna
Libarna was a Roman city located on the section of the route Postumia between Genua and Dertona, on the left bank of the Scrivia. The hamlet of Libarna is now a component of the Serravalle Scrivia municipality in the province of Alessandria. The excavation site at Libarna is held by the Italian government, along with a special museum that hosts performances by musicians and artists. A total of 4565 visitors were counted at the archaeological site in 2015.
- Isola Bella
Isola Bella, one of three enchanted islands on Lake Maggiore, enchants guests with its grand Baroque mansion and tiered gardens that slope down to the water.
- Colle Santuario Don Bosco
Basilica of Superga is a church in Superga, close to Turin. It was constructed for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy between 1717 and 1731 at the summit of the Superga hill in a structure designed by Filippo Juvarra. This carried out a promise made by the duke (and future King of Sardinia) during the Battle of Turin when he had vanquished the French army besieging Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.
What are the Best Wineries in Piedmont
The Marchioness Figari of Genova lived for centuries in the La Bollina vineyard, which is located in the historical region known for its Gavi DOCG production. Prestigious wines are produced in the 120 hectares of chestnut woodlands, which are bordered by hills. In addition to the Agriculture Company, which spans over 28 hectares of vineyard and has a well-equipped production wine cellar, you’ll find three different types of high-quality lodging here: a modern 4-star hotel, an Art Nouveau villa converted into a 4-star luxury hotel with a green park, and a 9 hole golf course extended between the vineyards.
In Annunziata of La Morra, in the center of the Langa of Barolo, the Azienda Agricola Marrone crafts exquisite wines with powerful aromas and sophisticated flavors. You are always welcome to stop by and see their lovely tasting room and wine cellar. Thanks to Italian Delights, the incoming tour company, they also take care of your days while you are in their area.
The winery was the result of the intense desire of Mauro Sebaste, Sylla’s son and a well-known wine expert from the Langa region. After Sylla passed away too soon, Mauro left the family business and, driven by his intense passion for wine, focused only on making high-quality wines.
Where Should I Eat in Piedmont?
Here are some of the restaurants you should try in Piedmont:
Located in Novara Italy, this restaurant offers some of the best cuisines in the region, including Italian, Brew Pub, Pizza, Mediterranean, Neapolitan, Campania, and Southern Italian, at affordable prices. The hotel also provides special diets for visitors, mainly vegan options for vegetarians.
Visit the La Ciau Del Tornavento, a tastefully decorated and stylish restaurant-inn, if you’re looking for a fashionable spot to fill your belly with some food of the same caliber. This restaurant in Treiso, the center of the Barbaresco wine area, provides what has been dubbed an inventive menu, one that includes modern takes on Piedmontese food. The spacious, open eating area gives an expansive view of the rolling Piedmont countryside and probably flowing vineyards, in addition to some unique and excellent fish options. You can observe activities in one of Italy’s wine capitals from the windows.
The lavish Trattoria, which is located in the center of the quaint village of Barbaresco and is reachable through Torino, enjoys a well-cast shadow formed by the renowned medieval tower of the countryside. Trattoria Antica Torre serves not just delicious food, but also traditionally prepared regional fares, such as homemade pasta dishes that don’t skip the ravioli, this time in a butter and sage sauce. When the season is exactly right, the restaurant also serves white truffle pasta and tajarin with a fantastic beef sauce. Except for its superb collection of Barbaresco wines, the Trattoria restaurant is frequently visited for its welcoming ambiance and understated but attentive service.
Where Should I Stay in Piedmont?
B&B Torino Arcuri in Turin provides accommodations with free WiFi and air conditioning that are 400 m from Mole Antonelliana. A flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with slippers, a hairdryer, and a bidet are provided in the bed and breakfast. The B&B Torino Arcuri offers a breakfast buffet for its visitors. In the common lounge area, visitors can unwind as well. The distance between the lodging and Porta Nuova Railway Station and Metro Station is 1.8 kilometers. The distance from B&B Torino Arcuri to the closest airport is 16 kilometers. Your transportation is now convenient and reasonably priced.
The Turin Central Apartment is located in the city’s center and is close to the Porta Nuova Metro Station and Porta Nuova Railway Station. It has free WiFi, air conditioning, and other standard amenities like a fridge and coffee maker. The Lingotto Metro Station is 4.9 kilometers and Mole Antonelliana is 1.7 km away from the property. One bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and one bathroom with a bidet are all included in this apartment. The flat has linens and towels provided. The Porta Susa Metro Station, Porta Susa Train Station, and Turin Polytechnic University are all within walking distance of the flat. 18 kilometers from Turin Central Apartment, the Torino Airport is the closest airport.
How Can I Save Money in Piedmont?
The best way to save money is to plan carefully ahead of any tour. Make sure that you do the bookings on time to enjoy discounts and avoid unnecessary spending. When it is possible use public transport, like trains.
Conclusion
Piedmont is one of the most well-known wine regions in Italy, one of the nations with the most varieties of grapes in the world. Most wine experts agree that a Piedmont wine tasting is essential for serious wine enthusiasts. I heartily encourage you to take a Piedmont wine tour if you enjoy Italian food and wine. It is the ideal choice for people who want to explore the top wines in Piedmont and sample mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
The Vibe: In addition to being the origin of the Slow Food Movement, it is also home to FIAT, Nutella, and Lavazza coffee. Beginning in Piedmont, Italian unity was aided by the Savoy dynasty. Prior to Rome, Torino was even designated as the country’s first capital. Piedmont is renowned for its fine food, fine wine, and sophisticated culture. The finest location for you to visit is here!
Source:
- Piedmont Wine Tours website
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