The Flight
Piedmont, located in northwestern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly red varieties. The region is most famous for Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for their complexity, aging potential, and aromas of tar and roses. Barbera and Dolcetto are also widely produced, offering more approachable, fruit-forward profiles. Piedmont’s cool climate and rolling hills, especially around Alba and Asti, contribute to the distinct character of its wines. The region also produces elegant white wines like Gavi and the sparkling Asti Spumante. Piedmont's deep winemaking tradition makes it a cornerstone of Italian viticulture.
Alto Piedmont, in northern Italy, produces distinctive wines primarily from the Nebbiolo grape, locally called Spanna. Known for their elegance and minerality, these wines are lighter than Barolo but still complex and age-worthy. Key appellations include Gattinara, Ghemme, and Boca, where volcanic soils and cooler climates shape refined reds with floral, earthy notes. Blends may include Vespolina and Croatina, adding spice and structure. Alto Piedmont remains a hidden gem for Nebbiolo lovers.
Lombardy, in northern Italy, offers a diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and renowned sparkling wines. Its most famous wine region, Franciacorta, produces high-quality metodo classico sparkling wines rivaling Champagne. Valtellina, in the Alps, crafts elegant Nebbiolo-based reds known as Chiavennasca. Lugana, near Lake Garda, delivers fresh, mineral-rich white wines from the Turbiana grape. Lombardy’s varied terroirs and climates make it one of Italy’s most versatile wine regions.
Ercole Bianco 2023, Piedmont $15 (1 liter) - Peach pit, pear, sweet nectarine with delicate flowers. Crushed pineapple and sweet citrus on a smooth, mineral driven palate. Blend of 80% Cortese with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in Stainless Steel.
Cantalupo Rosato Il Mimo Colline Novaresi, Alto Piedmont 2024 $22 - This gorgeous 100% Nebbiolo Rosato is full of aromas and flavors of fresh red berries, rose petals, and spice notes. A more full-flavored style of rosé, it has a juicy, long finish, with mouthwatering acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Cantina Casteggio Barbera 2022, Lombardia $13 - Intense ruby red color with violet tone. Intense perfume of black fruits. Mouth: a young fruity taste with almond aroma.
Ca del Baio Dolcetto d’Alba Lodoli 2023, Piedmont $16 - The Dolcetto d'Alba Lodoli presents itself with a lively ruby red color, hinting at its organoleptic qualities. On the nose, it offers an aromatic bouquet rich with notes of cherry, raspberry, and a slight spiciness that adds complexity without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.
Cantina Sociale di Gattinara 2022 Vino Rosso, Alto Piedmont $22 - This Vino Rosso is predominantly Nebbiolo grape blended with other local, indigenous grapes. Hand harvesting and aging in Slavonian casks lends to the enticing aroma with its tobacco nose highlighted with hints of cedar. On the palate you are greeted with flavors of red and black berries that instantly dazzle the tongue.
Bonus
Cigliuti Barbera D’Alba Serraboella 2022, Piedmont $27 - The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Serraboella is plump, juicy and super-expressive. A rush of dark cherry, plum, mocha, rose petals and licorice caresses the palate. Pretty floral notes lift the finish, adding brightness and persistence.
Cantalupo Nebbiolo Agamium Colline Novaresi 2022 Alto Piedmont $21 - The 2022 Colline Novaresi Agamium, 100% Nebbiolo, is a terrific entry-level wine in this range. Bright acids cut through a core of red berry fruit, chalk, white pepper, mint and pine. This mid-weight Nebbiolo is an absolute gem.
Bonus Bonus
Marco Ferrari 2023 Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardia $45 - Their 2023 Rosso di Valtellina has every keynote I look for in a Nebbiolo — grippy tannins, bright acidity, light body, tart fruit, and excellent minerality.