The wines of Piemonte
About the wines in Piemonte.
Italy is one of the most esteemed wine producing countries in the world, and in fact the biggest one as well. The Piemonte region is perhaps the most exciting area in Italy and it is the home of the 3 “b”´s – Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera.
Barolo and Barbaresco are produced from the same grape, Nebbiolo. This grape is quite difficult and demanding to grow and therefore you will not find it anywhere else in the world. Her name is derived from the word “nebbia” which is the Italian word for fog. In the fall this fog often settles over the Piemonte region giving the area a mystique feeling. Being demanding also has its reward in the form of high quality and complexity
Even if the Barolo and Barbaresco come from the same region and are produced from the same grape they are different. The Barolo is more robust, complex, and masculine and is a wine you don´t want to drink while it is to young. If you wait for it, you will be rewarded.
The Barbaresco is a more graceful wine. She is softer, more balanced, and often matures earlier and the aging requirements are a little different from the Barolo. The Barbaresco is often referred to as the more feminine of the two.
Both the Barolo and Barbaresco goes well with robust meats, wild game, rich pastas and creamy risottos. You might even want to try it with a pizza with wild mushrooms, one of our favorites.
Then it is the last of the Piemonte 3 “b”´s – the Barbera. The Barbera is both the name of the grape and of the wine. I would not say that it is the little brother, but more the servant in the house. It is the wine for the people. The Barbera is not demanding and so you can find it all over Piemonte and all over the world. The Barbera will suit any table and a lot of different food with its acidic, full body and deep rich color. This is a wine you can enjoy young.
The Barbera`s of Nizza
Nizza is a relatively new sub-region within the Barbera d'Asti DOCG in Piemonte that is known for producing high-quality Barbera wines. Here are some of the most important producers of Barbera in the Nizza area:
Michele Chiarlo - Michele Chiarlo is a well-respected winemaker in Piemonte who produces a range of high-quality wines, including several from the Nizza area. His Nizza wines are known for their balance, depth, and ability to age gracefully.
Tenuta Olim Bauda - Tenuta Olim Bauda is a family-owned winery that has been producing wine in the Nizza area since the 1700s. Their Nizza wines are known for their concentration, complexity, and ability to express the terroir of the region.
La Cacciatora - La Cacciatora is a small, family-owned winery that has gained recognition in recent years for its exceptional Nizza wines. Their wines are known for their elegance, finesse, and ability to age gracefully.
Coppo - Coppo is a historic winery that has been producing wine in Piemonte for over 120 years. Their Nizza wines are known for their depth, structure, and ability to age for decades.
Tenuta Il Falchetto - Tenuta Il Falchetto is a family-owned winery that is committed to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines from the Nizza area. Their Nizza wines are known for their elegance, finesse, and ability to express the unique character of each vineyard.
Scarpa - Scarpa is a historic winery located in the town of Nizza Monferrato that is known for its traditional winemaking techniques and commitment to quality. Their Nizza wines are known for their depth, complexity, and ability to age for decades.
Vichio Vaglio - The Cantina Cooperativa Vinchio Vaglio was founded in 1959 and it was the 19 founding members themselves who took part in the construction of the building that still houses the Cantina today. Today, there are about 200 members, owners of almost 500 hectares of vineyards.
Overall, these are just a few of the many important producers of Barbera in the Nizza area, and each winery has its own unique style and approach to winemaking. It is worth trying several to discover which ones you prefer.