Piedmont Wines: Subtle, Sophisticated, and Seriously Underrated

Thu, Apr 24, 25

Piedmont isn’t the type of place that tries to do it all—and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
This corner of northwest Italy doesn’t hang its reputation on one grape or trend. Instead, it focuses on a handful of varieties it knows deeply and grows exceptionally well. The result? A lineup of Piedmont wines that range from bold and age-worthy to bright, fresh, and totally drinkable—each one honest, expressive, and rooted in place.

At the heart of Piedmont wines are five key grapes: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese (used in Gavi), and Arneis. These are the wines that locals drink, that sommeliers get excited about, and that tell you everything you need to know about what makes the region so respected around the world.

Let’s break them down.

The Grapes Behind Piedmont’s Most Recognized Wines

Nebbiolo

This is the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont’s most famous reds.

Nebbiolo is bold, structured, and built to last. It’s high in tannins and acidity, with flavors of tart cherry, dried rose, herbs, and a little earthiness. It’s not the easiest wine on day one—but give it time, and it opens up into something pretty unforgettable. This is the grape that put Piedmont wines on the global map.

Barbera

Barbera is the everyday go-to in Piedmont—planted everywhere and poured often.

It’s way more approachable than Nebbiolo, with low tannins, high acidity, and juicy red fruit like cherry and plum. Whether you’re eating pizza, pasta, or something off the grill, Barbera just fits. Look for Barbera d’Alba or Barbera d’Asti—both offer excellent examples of versatile Piedmont wines made for food and company.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto means “little sweet one,” but don’t let the name fool you—it’s a dry red that’s smooth and chill.

This is the wine locals keep on hand for weeknights. It’s fruit-forward, easy-drinking, and doesn’t need aging. You’ll find blackberry, plum, and sometimes a little almond or cocoa in the glass. It’s soft, comforting, and doesn’t ask too much. Among Piedmont wines, Dolcetto delivers pure drinkability.

Gavi (Cortese)

Piedmont isn’t just about reds. Gavi, made from the Cortese grape, is its most iconic white.

It’s clean, crisp, and citrusy—think lemon, green apple, and a dry, mineral finish. Super refreshing, especially with seafood or salads. If you're exploring Piedmont wines for summer sipping or lighter pairings, Gavi should be high on your list.

Arneis

Arneis is a softer, rounder white that flies under the radar—but once you try it, it sticks with you.

It shows off flavors like pear, peach, and white flowers, with a silky texture and lower acidity than Gavi. It’s smooth and subtle, ideal for sipping on its own or pairing with lighter fare. As part of the growing family of Piedmont wines, Arneis brings a delicate, floral balance to the region’s otherwise bold reputation.

Bottles That Bring Piedmont to Life

Here’s a curated lineup that reflects the depth and character of Piedmont wines:

Marchesi Di Barolo Coste Di Rose 2014

A classic example of the elegance and depth that defines Piedmont wines.

Appearance
Brilliant ruby red with garnet edges, reflecting clarity, maturity, and the traditional style of fine Piedmont wines.

Nose
Lifted and expressive, with aromas of dried rose petals, licorice, spice, and wild herbs—hallmarks of well-crafted Barolo and top-tier Piedmont wines.

Palate
Full-bodied and refined. Flavors of red cherry, anise, and subtle earthy undertones unfold with structured yet smooth tannins and vibrant acidity.

Finish
Long, balanced, and elegant, with floral and savory notes lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing
An excellent companion to roasted meats, braised dishes, and aged cheeses. With cellaring, it evolves beautifully into a contemplative sipping wine—just as great Piedmont wines are meant to.

Marenco Strev Moscato d'Asti

Grown on the steep, sun-drenched hills of Strev in the eastern part of the Asti DOCG, this Moscato benefits from exceptional ripeness and aromatic intensity. The wine undergoes fermentation in pressurized tanks and is bottled at 5.5% alcohol to preserve its natural freshness and sparkle.

Appearance
Pale straw yellow with fine, lively bubbles.

Nose
Bright and aromatic with notes of candied orange peel, pear pâte de fruit, and hints of melon and white flowers.

Palate
Zesty and lightly effervescent, with a creamy texture and refreshing acidity that balances its natural sweetness. Flavors echo the nose—melon, citrus, and sweet orchard fruit—delivering a clean, playful finish.

Finish
Balanced, elegant, and gently persistent.

Food Pairing
Enjoy with fresh fruit tarts, light sponge cakes, brunch fare, or even spicy Asian dishes. A versatile wine for celebrations or casual sipping.

Picollo Ernesto Gavi Di Gavi

Crafted from 100% Cortese grapes grown in the heart of Gavi, this is a textbook expression of the region. Farmed by the Picollo family in Rovereto, careful green harvesting and balanced yields bring out the grape’s natural purity and character.

Appearance
Pale straw yellow with brilliant clarity.

Nose
Fresh and vibrant, offering yellow apple, citrus zest, and stony minerality—clean and inviting.

Palate
Crisp and precise, with notes of pear, lemon, and a hint of almond. The texture is light yet structured, with bright acidity and a dry, refreshing finish.

Finish
Lean and mineral-driven, leaving a clean, savory impression.

Food Pairing
A go-to Italian white for seafood lovers—pairs beautifully with fish crudo, tuna tartare, light pasta, or gnocchi with lemon and herbs. It's the kind of wine you’ll want chilled and ready, year-round.

Aldo Conterno Il Favot Langhe Nebbio. 19

Appearance
Deep ruby red with a refined, luminous core.

Nose
Expressive and classic, with layered aromas of ripe cherry, licorice, and subtle leather, all underpinned by an earthy backbone.

Palate
Elegant and balanced. Flavors of dark cherry, spice, and earthy tones unfold with poise. Supple tannins and bright acidity give it structure, while hints of mineral and savory spice add complexity.

Finish
Long and lingering, leaving impressions of fruit, spice, and earth that gradually fade into a clean, satisfying close.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with herb-crusted lamb, mushroom risotto, chargrilled vegetables, or hard-aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano.

More to Pour: Your Italian Wine Journey Starts Here

If learning about Piedmont wines got you curious—good. That’s what great wine regions do: they open the door, then invite you to keep exploring.

There’s so much more waiting in the glass. From the bold, age-worthy Nebbiolos of Barolo to the crisp charm of Gavi, Piedmont is just one chapter. If you're drawn to expressive reds and food-friendly whites, don't stop here—Chianti, Tuscany, and other storied Italian regions have plenty to say, too.

And at Arlington Wine & Liquor, we make that exploration easy. Whether you’re new to Italian wine or already building your collection, we’ve stocked the shelves with bottles we believe in—from everyday sippers to cellar-worthy finds.

Browse our Italian wine collection and discover your next favorite bottle. Because once you start exploring Italian wines, you’ll realize… one region is never enough.

By Arlington Wine and Liquor