As wine lovers, we often dream of visiting the famed wine regions of Italy – Piedmont being near the top of the list. This region is world-renowned for its delicious and age-worthy wines from Barolo and Barbaresco, but these can be expensive and require significant time in the cellar before they become approachable.

However, what many people don’t know is that Piedmont is full of more ‘every day’ wines that are more affordable, more approachable, yet completely delicious – here are three of our top styles of everyday wine from Piedmont that you’ll love.

Barbera:

One of the most popular styles of wine from Piedmont is Barbera. Barbera is a red wine grape that is native to Piedmont and has been grown in the region for centuries. The grape is known for its high acidity and bright, fruit-forward flavours. Barbera wines are typically made in a lighter style and are meant to be enjoyed young. However, some producers do make age worthy Barberas that can develop beautiful complexity with time in the cellar.

Barbera is an incredibly versatile grape and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Its high acidity makes it a great match for tomato-based pasta dishes, grilled meats, and sharp cheeses. If you’re looking for a Piedmontese wine to pair with your next meal, look no further than Barbera!

We recommend trying the 2019 Barbera d’Alba Fisetta from Marco Oberto. Whilst bright, juicy, and bursting with spicy cherry and sour plums, it’s also reasonably weighty in the mouth and will stand up perfectly to a mid-week spaghetti bolognaise.

Gavi:

Gavi di Gavi is a white wine made from the Cortese grape, and it is one of the few Piedmont wines that is 100% white. The wine has a straw yellow colour, and it has a unique flavour that is slightly floral with hints of pears and almonds.

Lighter styles of Gavi work beautifully as ‘aperitvo’ wines, enjoyable at the start of an evening by themselves, or with some simple snacks. Richer styles like the Gavi di Gavi Fignini from La Chiara spend time ageing on the lees, giving them a creamier, weightier mouthfeel that partners beautifully with cheeses from Piedmont like Robiola (which can come infused with truffles). Stop by Jeroboams Holland Park to pick up both!

Nebbiolo:

Nebbiolo is the Piedmont grape that finds its most famous, long-lived, and sought-after expression in Barolo and Barbaresco. However, it is a versatile grape that can be used for more accessible and approachable wines styles beyond Barolo.

Foods that match well with Nebbiolo include dishes with bold flavours such as hearty stews and grilled meats. We’d recommend starting your Nebbiolo journey with the Nebbiolo d’Alba from La Bioca, which offers typical notes of rose petal, dark autumnal fruits and earth. The flavours are wonderfully vibrant and, unlike many Barolos, the tannins are fine, ripe and soft just a few years after release.

So there you have it! Three everyday wines from Piedmont that you’ll love. Cook up a Piedmontese feast next weekend and enjoy a flavour of one of Italy’s most renowned wine regions from the comfort of your home.