HISTORY AND TRADITION OF PIEDMONT WINES
Piedmont, located in northwestern Italy, is one of the country's most renowned regions for wine production. With its rich winemaking tradition, breathtaking hilly landscapes and a vast range of native vines, Piedmont is a true paradise for wine-lovers and beyond.
The winemaking tradition of Piedmont dates back to ancient times: since Roman times these hills have hosted vineyards which, over the centuries, have become a constant, in some cases resulting in mono-culture. the region developed a reputation for excellence in producing quality wines, which it has maintained to the present day. The winemaking techniques passed down from generation to generation and the attention to detail in production are an integral part of the Piedmontese wine culture. Piedmont has always been a stronghold of the production and consumption of bulk wine, once marketed in demijohns, then bottled directly at home and today in the more practical format of the bag in box. Without a doubt, the wine that is most closely linked to this tradition is Barbera, the quintessential everyday red that has always accompanied the Piedmont's home-made meals. We wanted to honor this authentic and village history by offering our customers a vast choice of Barbera in bag in box.
Piedmont boasts numerous designations of origin, DOC and DOCG which guarantee the authenticity and quality of the wines produced, but it does not even have an IGT. Each denomination has strict rules that must be respected to maintain the high quality standard. In the production specifications of these denominations, the bag in box format is very often not contemplated, so it is not possible to market a Barolo or a Barbaresco DOCG in this format, but only the Piemonte DOC with the grape variety communicated on the label.
THE NATIVE GRAPES OF PIEDMONT
Piedmont is famous for its typical varieties, which give the wines a unique and distinctive character. Among the best-known red grape varieties are certainly Nebbiolo, used to produce wines such as the famous Barolo and Barbaresco, and Barbera, which gives life to lively and fruity red wines. As for the white varieties, Chardonnay and Arneis are among the best known, but Favorita also finds space, once used in blends to give intense aromas to the grapes, producing fresh and aromatic wines. As selectors, we have always liked to search for the minor native vines of this region, any examples? ll Baratuciat, for whites, a grape that risked extinction in the nineties due to the abandonment of the countryside and which today is experiencing a beautiful revival also linked to the resistance that this vine shows in the face of the consequences of climate change. Freisa, for reds, a variety long associated with ready-to-drink, low-quality sparkling reds and Grignolino which attracts more and more aficionados given the current interest in more subtle, agile and drinkable wines. On Sfusobuono you can find a vast selection of Piedmontese wines in bag in box, all handcrafted with spontaneous fermentation and with a moderate use of added sulphites.
WHICH DISHES DO YOU COMBIN WITH PIEDMONT WINE?
The wines from Piedmont offer a vast range of aromatic and gustatory nuances and are particularly versatile combined with traditional regional cuisine and beyond. The whites from Piedmont are an excellent choice for a light aperitif in summer based on appetizers and savory snacks, chips and olives, but also a perfect ally for fish-based appetizers, such as amberjack tartare, carpione or sandwiches. A light and drinkable red like the 'Vino da Sete' by Tenuta Il Nespolo made from Barbera, Freisa and Sangiovese grapes, it is also excellent to drink after a short time in the fridge during the summer as an accompaniment to one of the great musts of the Piedmontese starter: veal with tuna sauce. Thin slices of meat cooked at a low temperature to maintain that classic pink colour, covered with a generous blanket of sauce based on tuna, egg and capers. The Barbera or that from the Carussin winery, thanks to their balanced acidity and their soft and fruity structure, are ideal reds to drink together with the main courses typical of the region such as agnolotti del plin with roast sauce, tagliolini with sausage ragout and pasta mixed with beans. A Piedmontese gem, to be enjoyed mainly in the Spring-Summer season, is rosé wine, such as IL Rosato made from Barbera and Brachetto grapes and Rosato delle Valli Unite with a lesser-known variety such as Malvasia di Casorzo. Perfect wines to pair with lighter first courses such as risotto creamed with butter and pasta with white ragù, but also with simple dishes such as savory pies, hard-boiled eggs and fine pickles such as giardiniera, baby artichokes, stuffed chillies and trumpet courgettes. The wines of Piedmont represent an oenological heritage of inestimable value. The region offers a unique wine experience, thanks to its thousand-year history, the native grape varieties and the wonderful hills that frame the vineyards. All you have to do is discover the selection of Piedmontese wines in bag in box that you find online on Sfusobuono and choose the one that's best for you based on price, pairings and area of origin.
