Curious Case November 2024, Piedmont in Particular
Six wines, one region: Piedmont’s quirks, bottled up
Piedmont in Focus
We’re taking a look at Piedmont this month. Nestled in northwest Italy in the foothills of the Alps, it’s one of the country’s premier wine regions—think of it, loosely speaking, as Italy’s answer to Burgundy. Here, quality always comes first, and it’s a region dominated by one grape in particular: Nebbiolo. This grape defines Piedmont’s reputation for red wines that are both wonderfully age-worthy and expressive of the unique terroirs of the region’s rolling hills. If ever there was a wine region where soil and climate come through in the glass, it’s this one.
The Reds: Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Freisa
Naturally, therefore, we’ve put a couple of Nebbiolos in the case. It’s a capricious grape, Nebbiolo—you don’t see much of it outside of Piedmont, but in its home territory, it makes some of the finest reds in the world. There’s plenty more to love in this region, though, so we’ve also included two other quintessentially Piedmontese reds. Barbera is all about freshness and fruit—a real crowd-pleaser—while Freisa is a charming, lesser-known variety that gives you all the flavour without quite so much of the tannic punch. Perfect for those who like their reds a bit more approachable.
The Whites: Gavi and Beyond
Whites might not be the headline act in Piedmont, but they’re not to be overlooked. Gavi, in particular, is a standout, offering crisp, lively flavours that are just the ticket for a refreshing change of pace. We’ve also included an intriguing field blend from a small, well-regarded producer—it’s got all the character you’d expect from a hand-crafted wine, and it’s sure to spark some interest around the table.
Piedmont in a Bottle
So there you have it—a little slice of Piedmont in every bottle, perfect for those who appreciate a region where quality is always the name of the game.
