Piedmont Wine
Barolo, Barbaresco and Langhe nebbiolo account for most of our Piedmont wine.
Shop all Piedmont Wine
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Cortese Barbaresco 2020 (1.5L)$121.00
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Piedmont wine questions
Where is Piedmont?
Piedmont, or Piemonte, is in northwest Italy at the foot of the Alps, bordering France and Switzerland. Its most famous wine area is the Langhe, the hills around the town of Alba, home to Barolo and Barbaresco. The region is also known for barbera, dolcetto, Moscato d'Asti, Gavi and white truffles.
Why is Barolo expensive?
Barolo comes from a small zone of 11 villages, and its nebbiolo grape is hard to grow and ripens late. By law, Barolo must age at least 38 months before release, 18 of them in wood, and riserva at least 62 months. The best single vineyards, called MGAs, are tiny and in demand worldwide, which pushes prices up.
Is Chianti or Barolo better?
They're different, not better or worse. Barolo, made from nebbiolo, is bigger, more tannic and more powerful, with roses, tar and cherry, and it needs years to soften. Chianti, made from sangiovese, is lighter and fresher, with cherry and herbs, and is easier to drink young. Barolo suits special dinners, and Chianti suits everyday meals.
Is there an inexpensive Barolo alternative?
Langhe nebbiolo is the best value alternative. It's made from the same grape in the same area, often by Barolo producers using younger vines, with less required aging. It usually costs half as much or less. Nebbiolo d'Alba, Roero and wines from northern Piedmont like Gattinara and Ghemme are other good options.