94% of all Piemonte wines are either DOC & DOCG meaning finding good wine here is very easy.
Of the 18 DOCG’s & 41 DOC’s in Piemonte we can often be found drinking Roero, Langhe Nebbiolo or Langhe Rosso wines
Roero DOCG
Made from a minimum of 95% Nebbiolo with up to 5% Arneis allowed, however most producers do not blend. In recent years many producers of Roero wines have been giving Barolo and Barbaresco a run for their money.
Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
Made from a minimum of 85% Nebbiolo, however most producers do not blend. Aging styles vary dramatically from only steel aging to varying times in wood. Sometimes called Baby Barbaresco or Barolo. we greatly enjoy exploring the many different styles.
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Made from 100% Nebbiolo. A large DOC on both sides of the Tanaro River taking in most of the Roero zone to the west and the area around Alba to the east but excluding both Barolo and Barbaresco zones. A value alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco
Langhe Rosso DOC
Made either from 85% of the stated varietal on the bottle e.g. Barbera, Dolcetto, etc. but if blended no varietal will be shown and a fantasy name used. This DOC is often used by producers to make wines outside existing DOC/DOCG regulations. A very large DOC surrounding the town of Alba and overlapping many other zones.
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Minimum 90% Barbera. The region is 3 times larger the the Barbera d’Alba region with greatly varying styles & quality. Aging can vary greatly from a short time in steel to long periods in wood. Known as a very food friendly wine. The Nizza DOCG became a separate DOCG zone in 2014
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Made from a minimum of 85% Barbera. Barbera is Piemonte’s most planted varietal and can be grown almost anywhere. It is native to the Monferrato hills east of Alba. Historically loved by the impoverished peasant growers for it’s embarrassingly high yields.This full bodied high acid wine is very food friendly.
Dolcetto DOC & DOCG
Made from 100% Dolcetto. Of the 8 regions 5 are DOC’s 3 are DOCG’s with the Dogliani and Diano d’Alba DOCG’s being the most sought after. Sometimes called “the Beaujolais of Piemonte” although it can produce very full-bodied, medium alcohol wines. Most see no time in wood, however a few producers will age for 6 to 24 months in Wood. This deep purple, high acid, ripe berry flavored wine is usually drunk young within 2 years.
