Piedmont Wine, Vermouth, and Spumante

The vineyards around Alba produce the most famous Piedmont wine. The great Barolos and Barbaresco wines are made from Nebbiolo grapes. These are some of the best Italian wines and are available online through our sister site— click here for more details.

Red Wines

Barolo: Renowned as one of the most illustrious Italian wines, Barolo is only Barolo if it is produced south of the Tanaro River. With its seductive bouquet of violets and a velvety, smooth flavor, this wine captivates the senses. Its unmistakable allure lingers with a subtle hint of resinous aftertaste known as goudon or tar, adding to its complexity and charm. This is one of Italy's, and indeed the world's, greatest wines and ages well.

Barbaresco: Nestled amidst the steep slopes encircling its namesake ancient town, Barbaresco stands as the "younger sibling" to Barolo—a wine that matures more swiftly yet possesses equal prestige. Produced from the same noble Nebbiolo grape, Barbaresco has its own unique character. Its profound elegance and evolving nature make it a captivating choice for those seeking refined indulgence.

Barbera: Barbera doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves. While everyone talks about Barolo and Barbaresco, this is the wine Maria (my wife) and I enjoy most often at the table. It’s easygoing, full of red berry flavors, a little spice, and just enough acidity to keep things interesting. Best of all, it’s affordable—making it perfect for everyday meals, especially those classic Piedmont pastas and meat dishes. Barbera may not boast the fame of its neighbors, but trust me, it’s one of Piedmont’s most honest and delightful wines.

Nebbiolo is the soul of Piedmont. It’s the grape behind the greats—Barolo and Barbaresco—but even on its own, it has a kind of quiet depth that really speaks to me. Don’t expect soft and fruity here. This is a wine with grip, with earthy notes, roses, tar, and spice all dancing around that bold tannic backbone. It’s not the kind of wine you sip absentmindedly—it asks for your attention. But give it a little time (and maybe a plate of tajarin or brasato), and it’ll reward you beautifully.

Dolcetto is the wine I reach for when I want something easy, joyful, and totally Piemontese. Despite its name—dolce means sweet—it’s actually dry, soft, and full of juicy dark fruit. It’s the local go-to for a relaxed evening, the kind of wine you’d sip with friends over a simple plate of salami and cheese or a bowl of agnolotti. Not flashy or fussy, just honest and good. Dolcetto doesn’t shout—it smiles. And that’s more than enough for me.

White Wines & Vermouth

The old vermouth factory in Turin

Piedmont wines are predominately red. But among the Piedmont white wines, Asti Spumante has become famous.

Nowadays, Asti Spumante is probably Italy's best-known sparkling wine, and it isn't nearly as bad as you think. Unfortunately, in the eighties the market was flooded with cheap and nasty Asti Spumante, and the reputation of the name was destroyed. They've struggled to overcome that ever since, which is unfortunate as there are some really high-quality producers.

If you're looking for high-quality Asti Spumante, here are a few tips:

• Look for DOCG designation: Asti Spumante wines that carry the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designation are considered to be of the highest quality. This certification ensures that the wine is made according to strict production regulations and guarantees its origin and quality.
• Research reputable producers: Some renowned producers, with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality sparkling wines, include Martini & Rossi, Cinzano, and Fontanafredda. The producers I prefer, though, are Gancia, with a legacy dating back to 1850 and Contratto, a boutique winery that produces artisanal sparkling wines, including Asti Spumante. They focus on traditional methods and careful vineyard management to craft high-quality wines.
• Check reviews and ratings: Read reviews and ratings from reputable wine critics and publications to get an idea of the quality and characteristics of different Asti Spumante wines. These reviews can provide insights into the flavor profile, sweetness level, and overall quality of the wine.

The best of the Piedmont white wines is the Gavi.

A superb wine made primarily from the Cortese grape. It is known for its crispness, refreshing acidity, delicate floral notes, and flavors of citrus and green apple. Particularly good are those produced by Tenuta San Pietro.

Vermouth is another Piedmont specialty

First produced, commercially at least, in 1786 by winemaker Benedetto Carpano at his wine shop near the Turin Stock Exchange. The stockbroker's cries of "punt e mes (a point and a half)" entered the Italian language, like Carpano's own name, to describe a special type of bitter vermouth that is made of white wine infused with herbs, spices, roots, and a whole lot of other ingredients.

In those days, the vermouth producers were small family affairs. Now they are mammoth distilleries and global businesses whose secret formulas are jealously guarded. More than 50 million bottles of Italian vermouth are consumed every year, and the classic cocktail, the dry martini, is named after the most celebrated producer: Martini & Rossi. Martini & Rossi is now a household name throughout the world, although they have always stayed true to their Piedmont roots.

The best way to experience all that Piedmont has to offer is by means of a tour around Piedmont's wine route, sampling these fantastic wines.