The Piemonte designation, established in late 1994, has offered producers the possibility to develop new lines of quality products which are also protected and guaranteed. Modifications were introduced at a later time, for example the decree dated 30th July 2007, relating to several aspects that make the designation more flexible, like the introduction of “semi-sparkling” options for several varietals, and opening up to innovative forms of packaging like bag-in-box solutions as an alternative to bottles. Piemonte DOC has continued to evolve all along.
The decree dated 17th September 2010 has brought considerable changes to the designation system: the production zone has widened, new white, red and rosé wine styles “not bearing a varietal’s name” and those “with a varietal’s name” have been established: Dolcetto and Freisa, which are among the most important and traditional native varietals of the region and Albarossa (introduced by the preceding decree dated 29th July 2009), a new indigenous vine which is the result of an intraspecific cross between Nebbiolo from Dronero (Chatus) and Barbera, cultivated by Prof. Dalmasso in the 1930s. Having passed the experimental phase successfully, thanks to its excellent enological aptitude, Albarossa produces original, intensely fruity wines with an excellent structure and harmonious flavor and aroma. It benefits from a minimum of 12 months maturation in a cellar before being sold for consumption. There is also the option of producing wines which carry the name of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Nero, all international varietals that can no longer be considered new additions but are now rightly part of the viticultural heritage of Piedmont. Another novelty introduced by this decree was the additional specification of “mountain vineyards” for the white, red or rosé types of Piemonte DOC, to meet a renewed interest, also in light of the climatic changes of recent years, towards “high altitude” wine-growing.
Today, the Piemonte designation offers a considerable variety of wines, both because of the numerous varietals it encompasses, which are for the most part native, and because of the possibility of producing still, semi-sparkling, sparkling or passito (dried-grape wine) wines, thereby covering a vast product range optimally and with different nuances. In its current form, Piemonte DOC permits a more accurate classification and diversification of the wine, consolidating the economy of vast stretches of hilly land in Piedmont: these wines are the fruit of the prominent wine tradition of Piedmont matched with the skillful enological tradition of the region, which is continuously updated and recognized worldwide.
WHITE WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Cortese and/or Chardonnay and/or Favorita and/or Erbaluce up to 60%; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized for the region of Piedmont
Production yields: Max. 14 tons corresponding to 98 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Cortese (up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare;
Minimum alcohol content: 10% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Chardonnay (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 36 municipalities in the province of Asti, 19 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 15 municipalities in the province of Cuneo;
Grapes: 100% Moscato
Production yields: Max. 11,5 tons, corresponding to 86.25hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10.5% by vol. (the actual alcohol content has to be in a range of 5.5 to 7% by vol.)
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Sauvignon (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
RED WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Albarossa (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 9 tons, corresponding to 63 hectoliters per hectare;
Minimum aging required and release: 12 months from novembre 1st of the year after harvesting
Minimum alcohol content: 12,5% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo;
Grapes: 85 to 100% Barbera (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 12 tons, corresponding to 84 hectoliters per hectare;
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Dolcetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 147 municipalities in the province of Alessandria e 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo, 14 municipalities in the province of Torino
Grapes: 85 to 100% Freisa (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 9.5 tons corresponding to 66.5 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum aging required and release: 4 months from novembre 1st of the year after harvesting
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Grignolino (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: Max. 9.5 tons corresponding to 66.5 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 49 municipalities in the province of Asti, 23 municipalities in the province of Alessandria e 17 municipalities in the province of Cuneo;
Grapes: 85 to 100% Brachetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin)
Production yields: 9 tons corresponding to 63 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,0% by vol .(the actual alcohol content has to be at least 6% by vol.)
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Bonarda (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare.
Minimum alcohol content: 11,5% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Merlot (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,5% by vol.;
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot Nero (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,5 % by vol
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Syrah (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,5% by vol.
ROSÉ WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.;
SPARKLING WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot bianco or Pinot nero or Pinot grigio or Chardonnay (Pinot grigio and/or Pinot nero and/or Chardonnay up to 15%);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot Nero (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot bianco or Pinot nero or Pinot grigio or Chardonnay (Pinot grigio and/or Pinot nero and/or Chardonnay up to 15%)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot bianco or Pinot nero or Pinot grigio or Chardonnay (Pinot grigio and/or Pinot nero and/or Chardonnay up to 15%)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Pinot bianco or Pinot nero or Pinot grigio or Chardonnay (Pinot grigio and/or Pinot nero and/or Chardonnay up to 15%)
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.;
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Cortese (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Chardonnay (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 49 municipalities in the province of Asti, 23 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 17 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Brachetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 9 tons corresponding to 63 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11,0% vol di cui svolto almeno 6% vol.;
SEMI-SPARKLING WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% by vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Cortese and/or Chardonnay and/or Favorita and/or Erbaluce up to 60%; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized for the region of Piedmont
Production yields: Max. 14 tons corresponding to 98 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Dolcetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Cortese (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: 85 to 100% Chardonnay (with up to 15% other non-aromatic white grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 10,5% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Barbera (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 12 tons corresponding to 84 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Bonarda (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 11 tons, corresponding to 77 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 11% vol.
PASSITO WINES
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Barbera and/or Nebbiolo and/or Dolcetto and/or Freisa and/or Croatina alone or between 60 and 100% in blends; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the Piedmont region.
Production yields: Max. 13 tons corresponding to 91 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum aging required and release: 3 mesi dal 1° gennaio dell’anno successivo alla produzione delle uve;
Minimum alcohol content: 16,0% vol di cui svolto almeno 9% vol.
Production zone: 36 municipalities in the province of Asti, 19 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 15 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 100% Moscato
Production yields: Max. 6 tons corresponding to 30 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum aging required and release: 12 mesi dal 1° gennaio dell’anno successivo alla produzione delle uve;
Minimum alcohol content: 15,5% vol di cui svolto almeno 11% vol.
Production zone: 49 municipalities in the province of Asti, 23 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 17 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Brachetto (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 6 tons corresponding to 30 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum aging required and release: 12 mesi dal 1° gennaio dell’anno successivo alla produzione delle uve;
Minimum alcohol content: 16,0% vol di cui svolto almeno 9% vol.
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 160 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo; 185 municipalities in the province of Torino; 28 municipalities in the province of Novara; 20 municipalities in the province of Biella; 17 municipalities in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola; 7 municipalities in the province of Vercelli.
Grapes: Cortese and/or Chardonnay and/or Favorita and/or Erbaluce up to 60%; the other part could be grown in vineyards with one or more non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized for the region of Piedmont
Production yields: Max. 14 tons corresponding to 70 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 13% vol. ( di cui almeno 10,5 % svolto)
Production zone: 118 municipalities in the province of Asti, 142 municipalities in the province of Alessandria and 93 municipalities in the province of Cuneo
Grapes: 85 to 100% Barbera (with up to 15% other non-aromatic red grape varieties, recommended or authorized for the province of origin);
Production yields: Max. 12 tons corresponding to 60 hectoliters per hectare
Minimum alcohol content: 13 %vol. (di cui almeno 10,5 %vol. svolto)
