The Langhe's growing area is known worldwide for its fine wines, including the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. The outstanding importance of the Langhe as a wine region is based on its unique geographical location, the climate suitable for viticulture and the rich subsoil.

In the southern area of the Langhe, especially in the Alba area, first-class wines such as Barolo, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto d'Alba, Moscato d'Asti and Barbera are grown. In addition, the region is famous for its truffles. In the northern area, however, the cultivation of hazelnuts of the variety "tonda gentile" is widespread.

The soil condition of the Langhe is of particular importance for viticulture. The composition of the soil was created by the retreat of the Padan Sea about 15 million years ago. Today, the soil consists of various layers, including clay, calcareous and bluish marls, tuff, quartz, sand and sulphurous plaster soil. These diverse soil types give the wines of the Langhe their characteristic characteristics and contribute to the finesse, structure and elegance of the wines. Lime-containing, loamy soils dominate and create body-rich red wines, while soft sandy soils of the Roeros are more suitable for growing white grape varieties and give the wines fruitiness.

Overall, the Langhe are a unique terroir that offers ideal conditions for viticulture and is one of the most renowned wine regions in Italy.

The Piedmontese growing area can be divided into three zones, with the upper Monferrato (Alto Monferrato) being one of the most important. This southeastern area is located in the province of Alessandria and is characterized by high hills, numerous towers and castles, with the towns of Ovada and Acqui Terme exudeing a special charm. The Monferrato DOC is a guaranteed designation of origin for Italian red or white wines from the region around Asti in Piedmont. The Monferrato area is considered the origin of viticulture in the region and has a long history in the production of high-quality wines.
Although the Langhe area is known as the Nebbiolo core zone and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco are recognized worldwide, the wines from Monferrato also deserve recognition. In fact, the former Margraviate is considered the cradle of Piedmont winemaking, where numerous archaeological finds prove the long winemaking tradition. Nevertheless, the area does not have the same celebrity status as the Langhe. This is mainly due to the dominant grape varieties, because the Langhe is mainly known for the cultivation of Nebbiolo, while in the Monferrato a variety of grape varieties are grown.
The soils of the Monferrato area are extremely diverse and range from sandy soils to terre bianche (white earth) to terre rosse (red earth). This variety of soils gives the wines from Monferrato a unique characteristic and allows the production of a wide range of wine styles, ranging from fresh and fruity to powerful and complex.

The Roero extends west of the river Tanaro in the province of Cuneo and presents a picturesque landscape characterized by hilly terrain and partly steep vineyards. The region is characterized by a traditional mixed agriculture, where vineyards alternate harmoniously with forests, grain fields and meadows.

Already in Roman times the Roero area was inhabited and in the Middle Ages it was divided among various local rulers. The Aleramides, an influential family, owned some of the isolated castles on the rocky hills and significantly shaped the region. However, it was the eponymous Roero family who ruled the area for several centuries and gave it its name.

The Roero is particularly known for its wine of the same name, which is grown here. The soils of the Roero consist mainly of yellow sandy soils with a sandy structure, which are partly interspersed with "Marne Grigie," a gray, calcareous soil, similar to the Langhe. The climate is balanced with cool winters and warm summers, with the slopes of the Roero often benefiting from a pleasant breeze due to their good ventilation.

Overall, the Roero area is known not only for its picturesque landscape and historical roots, but also for its first-class wines, which are characterized by the unique terroir and the balanced climate.

The Piedmont

Piedmont is a wine-growing region in Italy located at the foot of the Alps. The region borders directly on France and Switzerland and enjoys a high reputation internationally. Particularly well known are the red wines, including the world-famous Barolo. In Piedmont, the grape varieties Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto are mainly cultivated.

The main grape varieties that grow here and become wines are Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Barolo is a pure wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, which fascinates with a wide range of flavors. It is the so-called royal wine of Piedmont and is representative of every red wine from Piedmont. Its flavors range from sour cherries and raspberries to herbs and truffles. For a Barolo to be classified as a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), the wine must mature for at least three years, one and a half years of it in the oak barrel. However, connoisseurs know that the special wines from Piedmont are worth the patience. Piedmont is particularly well known for dry wines. There are also only a few other taste levels, except dry wines from Piedmont.

In recent years, Piedmont has also changed permanently. The proportion of organic wineries in Piedmont continues to increase, the focus of this movement is the sustainable management of the vines, but also the responsible handling of the organic wineries from Piedmont with the raw materials that nature provides them. Although Piedmont is more known for its red wines, there are of course also some white wines here. The common white grape varieties of Piedmont include Cortese and Moscato Bianco. The most popular growing areas of Piedmont are Gavi, Barbaresco and Barolo.

A popular dry wine from Piedmont is especially the Barbera, this dry red wine from Piedmont is known for its unique character all over the world and also enjoys a high popularity. The Barbera is a very powerful red wine and often comes with a long-lasting finish, thanks to the perfect conditions of Piedmont, the Piedmontese Barbera often has up to 15% alcohol. Barbera is grown almost exclusively dry, but occasionally sweet or semi-arid Barbera from Piedmont can also be found.

Italian wines are famous worldwide for their quality and diversity. The most important classifications - DOC, DOCG, DOP, IGP, IGT and Vino Generico - provide orientation on origin and quality level. Here is an overview of what each of these names means:

1st DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta)

"Denominazione di Origine Protetta" (DOP) means "protected designation of origin" and corresponds to the EU-wide recognised name for high-quality food and beverages. For wines, the DOP label ensures the origin and controls all production stages. DOP often includes the two categories DOC and DOCG, which stand for specific, strictly monitored regions and production methods. With the DOP label, wine lovers get a guarantee of authenticity and authenticity.

2. DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

DOC stands for "controlled designation of origin." These wines come from specific regions and must meet certain standards that ensure that the wine retains its typical regional characteristics. This includes specifications for grape varieties, production methods and ripening times. DOC is the most common category within the DOP classification and promises high quality and a strong reference to the region.

3. DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)

DOCG, "controlled and guaranteed designation of origin," is the highest quality level in Italy. These wines must adhere to strict production and control standards and undergo additional tests to confirm the excellence of their origin. Well-known DOCG wines such as the Brunello di Montalcino or the Barolo are considered to be the flagships of the Italian wine world.

4. IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta)

IGP, the "protected geographical indication," refers to wines from a larger geographical area and offers winegrowers greater flexibility in grape varieties and production processes. This category corresponds to the EU-wide recognised IGP designation and also includes the Italian IGT classification (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). IGP/IGT wines are often ideal for daily enjoyment and offer a combination of quality and accessibility.

5. Vino Generico (Vini Comuni e Varietali)

The Vino Generico category includes simple table wines with no geographical indication. They are subject to less strict production requirements and can be offered as "Varietali" (pure wines) or Mischweine. These wines are uncomplicated and are perfect for everyday enjoyment and socializing.

Enjoy and understand Italian wine

The Italian wine classifications help to discover the diversity of the Italian wine landscape - from the highest quality of DOCG and DOP wines to the everyday IGP and Vino Generico wines. Those who understand the different categories open the door to a unique taste experience.

• Wine book