B&B Julia

The wines of Piedmont: a complete beginner's guide

Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Moscato — what is what? A short, honest guide for anyone wanting to read a Piedmontese wine list without prior knowledge.

Piedmont is one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world. But the names can be confusing: grapes, villages and wines all run together. Here are the seven you really need to know.

Nebbiolo: the king

The grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. Deep, powerful, with aromas of roses, cherries, leather and truffle. Often needs years of ageing. Barolo is called 'the king of wines, the wine of kings'. For a first encounter, try a Langhe Nebbiolo or a Nebbiolo d'Alba — lighter and ready to drink younger.

Barbera: the all-rounder

The most-drunk red in Piedmont. Juicy, fresh, with plenty of red fruit and lively acidity. Pairs with almost anything: pasta, meat, salami, pizza. Barbera d'Asti is the best known, Barbera del Monferrato more local.

Dolcetto: easy-going and young

Not sweet (the name misleads), but soft and approachable. Deep purple, with ripe plum fruit and a slight bitter finish. The wine farmers used to drink with daily meals.

Cortese: crisp white

The grape behind Gavi DOCG. A dry, citrussy white that pairs beautifully with fish, antipasti and vitello tonnato. Refreshing on a warm summer evening.

Arneis: the gentle white

Mostly from Roero. Floral, peach and hay, with a full mouthfeel. Once nicknamed 'white Barolo' because it was planted between the Nebbiolo vines.

Moscato: sweet and sparkling

Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti are the most famous. Lightly sparkling, low in alcohol (5.5%), sweet and grapey. Perfect with dessert, fruit or as an aperitif in the sun.

Brachetto: sparkling red

The lesser-known cousin of Moscato. Red, lightly sweet, lightly sparkling. Lovely chilled with chocolate desserts or strawberries.