For anyone who has traveled to the tiny wine villages of Piedmont, Italy, with vine covered hills flanked by the snow-covered Italian Alps in the distance, the memory is usually pleasurable. Thoughts of tannic red Barolo and Barbaresco wines paired with black truffle pasta often come to mind, along with sparkling Moscato di Asti with pear gallete for dessert.
But rarely does one hear about the still white and pink wines of Piedmont, and except for the Cortese grape from the region of Gavi, many of these are not easy to find in the US market. However, at a recent tasting hosted by the I Vini del Piemonte, I was re-introduced to three white and two rosato (pink tinted) wines, that are quite delightful. It reminded me of a trip to this beautiful wine region many years ago – Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.
Three White Wines from Piedmont to Try
Nascetta Grape – a lovely floral nose of honeysuckle, with crisp lemon, honey, vanilla and a hint of salt on the palate. Slightly reminiscent of Riesling. Ageworthy, and delicious with light cheeses, pasta and seafood. It is the only white vine native to Langhe, and was originally only used for sweet wines.
Timorasso Grape – exhibiting a semi-neutral nose with notes of wet stone, dried pineapple and herbs. A full-bodied white with some tannins structure and good acidity. It can be aged in oak, and some call it the “white Burgundy” of Piedmont. It was on the verge of on the verge of extinction in the 1980’s but has been nursed back to health.
Cortese Grape – the most well-known of these 3 white Piedmont wines, Cortese is famous for its bracing acidity. On the palate it exhibits notes of almond, minerality and fresh lime or orange zest. Some lighter fresher versions also show peach, apple, and even honeydew flavors. It is most famous for its DOCG in the Gavi region. Producers, La Colombera and Castello di Perno, are especially well-known for some of these varietals.
Two Pink Wines from Piedmont to Try
Freisa Grape – especially known for its strawberry flavor, but can also exhibit spice, earth and hints of red cherries. Freisa produces lovely roses and light-colored red wines, but is also used in sparkling wines from the region. It is actually a relative of Nebbiolo, and shows the same high acidity as its cousin.
Grignolino Grape – used to make both roses and light-colored red wines, Grignolino often tastes like a raspberry with earth on it. It has fresh acidity, and has been compared to the taste of Gamay. It makes a welcome change when you are seeking something lighter to pair with pasta or cheese, but can still deliver good complexity. The producer, Guadio, is especially well-known for both of these grape varietals.
Finding Piedmont Wines in the US Market
Though some of these varieties are difficult to find in the US market, it is worthwhile to seek them out. Some large online wine retailers, or specialty wine shops will carry these special and delicious wines.
