The wines of Piedmont are often a newcomer’s first introduction to the world of Italian wines—and for good reason. To start, Barolo and Barberesco are two of the Italy’s most celebrated wines. They are made solely from the Nebbiolo grape, an ancient indigenous varietal that is praised for its full body, complexity, and ageworthiness. Also, Nebbiolo has had little success outside of Italy’s borders, and even within the twelve official communes recognized by Barolo, different hilltops and sun exposures can create very different wines. Additionally, different vinification processes are also responsible for one Barolo to display supple fruit and smooth, developed tannins in a more new world style, while another Barolo (sometimes from the same producer) to display deep fruit and sharp tannins in a more old world style.

That said, however, it is more likely for a newcomer to be introduced to one of Piedmont’s more accessible table wines like Barbera or Dolcetto. These wines are more vibrant, straightforward, and drank younger. In recent years, these varietals have been given greater attention and the product transcends the label of a mere table wine. Our 1995 Viberti Barbera d’Alba has a complexity more associated with Nebbiolo than with Barbera, while our Dolectto “Bricco Botti” has a fullness that is often not associated with your typical Dolcetto.

Red wines might take up much of Piedmont’s praise, but the white wines are impressive in their own right. Gavi is a traditional white wine made from the Cortese grape that is a dry, mineral wine, whereas Arneis is a traditional Piedmont wine with a remarkable richness and fullness.