The Wines of Piemonte

Book excerpt: - Precisely organized and clearly mapped guide to a complex and varied region - Gives due weight to Barolo and Barbaresco but also explores all the lesser-known denominations of the region - Author is a wine educator who wrote the current WSET Diploma textbook, making him ideally equipped to explain this tricky region concisely The Italian region of Piemonte is rightly famed for the denominations of Barolo and Barbaresco. The area of vineyard given over to Nebbiolo, the sole grape variety of both DOCGs, has increased dramatically in the last half century (as plantings of other varieties have fallen). However, there is much to enjoy beyond the headline wines of the region. With a vast array of local varieties at the disposal of winemakers, no fewer than 60 denominations and a range of wine styles, Piemonte is a wine explorer's dream. In The wines of Piemonte, expert wine educator David Way challenges readers to deepen their understanding of the Piemontese wines they already love, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, and experience more of Piemonte's lesser-known treasures. He begins by setting the wines in their context, giving an outline of the history, geography and climate of the region. He then introduces readers to the native varieties that make the distinctive wines in this region - including less familiar grapes such as Brachetto, Freisa and Grignolino. After a brief discussion of Italian wine law, he leads us in an exploration of the denominations themselves with a selection of producers. We begin in the Langhe and Roero, where we find denominations centered on the varieties of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Arneis. The gentle hills of Monferrato are Barbera heartland but also yield wines made from interesting local varieties. Heading west, we visit the valleys of the western Alps, where producers are smaller and the varieties they grow more obscure. After exploring Colli Tortonesi and the white wines of its neighbor, Gavi, in the east, we look to the cooler regions of northern Piemonte. Finally, we are treated to Piemonte's sparkling wines, made in a range of styles. Complete with color photos and regional maps, whether you are looking for an interesting everyday wine or something to treasure and age, The wines of Piemonte will enhance your enjoyment of the region.