North of Italy has, what is to be considered of many to be some of the best wines in the world. I have to agree with them. The most important grapes in the area are the Dolcetto, Barbera and the Nebbiolo. The different types of wine that are produced in the area are called Dolcetto, Barbera, Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Barolo. The Dolcetto wines are pretty light and can be described as a fruity everyday wine with a hint of raspberry and cherry. This wine has had an increase in quality the last few years, but it is still a quite light and easy wine.
The Barbera wine is, together with the Chianti, my favorite for the everyday glass. It is still light and fruity, but has a bit more force and challenge in its taste. My number one favorite Barbera is Conca Tre Pile from Aldo Conterno. I have tried the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008, and they all make me smile. Other great producers are Giacomo Conterno, Sandrone, Roberto Voertzio, La Spinetta, Barale, Roagna and Vietti. The latter is another favorite…
From the Nebbiolo grape we get the Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbaresco og Barolo. Depending on where the vineyars are located and how long the wine has been stored. Barolo and Barbaresco are both limited geographical areas, and only wine with grapes from these areas that have been stored for a minimum of four years can use these names on their bottles. The Langhe Nebbiolo does not have the same requirements for storage, so these wines are usually a bit lighter and easier and can be enjoyed at a younger age. They will also not have the same potential for storage. But several of the best producers are making Nebbiolo wines with close to the same level of quality as a more simple Barolo, which makes them great buys.
Produttori di Barbaresco is a cooperative ( a community of smaller producers) that produces and sell good Barbaresco wines at a good price.
Great producers in Piedmont are:
- Chiara Boschis
- Roberto Voertzio
- Giacomo Conterno
- Paulo Scavino
- Bruno Giacosa
- Pio Cesare
- Aldo Conterno
- Paulo Conterno
- Roberto Voerzio
- Vietti
- Barale
- Produttori
- Enzo Boglietti
- Massolino
- Luca Roagna
- Pellisero
- Prunotto
- Gaja
- Sandrone