Piemonte
(Piedmont in English) is the largest wine region
in the country producing,
along
with
Tuscany,
the
majority of the fine wines of Italy. Piemonte
is often called the "Burgundy of Italy",
as it is most famous for its boutique wines and outstanding
gastronomy (Piemonte is home to the famous white
truffle).
Winemaking in Piemonte is amazingly
artisan and boutique. Production is microscopic,
especially
for the top wines, and most wineries are family
owned. Vineyards tend to be very small and neatly
kept.
Entire villages are dedicated to wine production
and wine is a part of daily life.
The
superstar wines from the region are the DOCG Barolo
and Barbaresco
Cru wines, both tremendously
rich
red wines made with the native Nebbiolo grape. Barolo
is produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes
grown south of Torino in the municipal territories
of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba
and partly
in the municipal
territories of La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello,
Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, Diano d’Alba, Roddi, and
Cherasco.
Nowadays
the Nebbiolo vine is grown in few privileged areas
accounting for only 3% of Piedmont’s wine output.
The vine thrives in a poor soil made of calcareous
marls and in a peculiar microclimate: these elements,
both present in the area where Barolo and Barbaresco
wines are produced, give longevity to the wine,
as well as harmonious taste and deep bouquet.
For
a wine to be called "Barolo", it must be aged for
no less than three years, two
of which
must
be
in
oak
barrels. Before being released for marketing, Barolo
must get through a tasting test carried out by a
special commission appointed by Ministry of Agriculture.
Getting through the test allows a wine to be labeled
DOCG, the highest Italian designation.
Barolo lovers take note - 2001 is
the vintage you have been waiting for. 2001 will
go down as one of the finest vintages of the last
two decades as the wines offer great depth of fruit,
lively acidity and beautiful structure for aging.
