Piemonte
Alto Piemonte
Oliver’s Notes:
The Nebbiolo grape makes some of the world’s finest red wines. The best-known growing area for these wines is the Langhe, in the region of Piedmont, around the little towns of Barolo and Barbaresco, but a century ago another area a few hours away was at least equally famous, a group of appellations collectively called Alto Piemonte. This under-appreciated jewel is an hour or so north-east of Turin, towards the alps that mark the border between Italy and Switzerland. The Nebbiolo wines grown here are distinctly different from Barolo and Barbaresco, giving us Nebbiolo addicts another whole source of pleasure.
Barbaresco & Barolo
Oliver’s Notes:
Barolo and Barbaresco are two villages in north-western Italy that produce Italy’s finest red wines. A generation ago these wines were appreciated only by Italian wine geeks, now their reputation is world-wide, approaching any of the classic French fine wines.
DOLCETTO
Oliver’s Notes:
Dolcetto is a much-misunderstood grape variety grown almost exclusively in Piedmont. It may be indigenous to Piedmont (and is claimed as originating in the village of Dogliani), but the ampelographer Galet suggests that it is the same as Douce Noire from Savoie, which may be the same as Charbono. It has been planted in Piedmont since at least the 1500s, possibly since the 1300s.
