Nebbiolo wine from Monferrato

Wine and food pairing Italian style - Nebbiolo wine

Monferrato is a wine-producing region located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy.

It is known for producing a variety of high-quality wines, both red and white, and is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the Barolo and Barbaresco regions. Monferrato has its own unique character and offers a diverse range of wines, many of which are made from grape varieties that are not as well-known as Nebbiolo, which is the dominant grape in Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Here are some key aspects of Monferrato wines:

1. Grape Varieties:

   • Barbera: Barbera is the most widely planted grape variety in Monferrato. It is known for its bright acidity and fruity flavors, often producing wines with red berry and cherry notes. Barbera d'Asti and Barbera del Monferrato are two popular appellations for Barbera wines from this region.

   • Dolcetto: Dolcetto is another red grape variety grown in Monferrato. Contrary to its name (which means "little sweet one" in Italian), Dolcetto wines are typically dry and have flavors of dark berries and plum. Dolcetto d'Alba and Dolcetto di Ovada are well-known subzones for Dolcetto production.

   • Moscato: Monferrato also produces Moscato-based wines, such as Moscato d'Asti. These are sweet, aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes, often enjoyed as dessert wines or with light, fruity desserts.

   • Grignolino: Grignolino is a less common but indigenous red grape variety grown in Monferrato. It produces light-bodied red wines with a slightly bitter edge and flavors of red fruits.

   • Nebbiolo: some producers work Nebbiolo as well, from our experience, Nebbiolo from Monferrato has a more rustic tone and can produce excellent wines.

2. Terroir: Monferrato benefits from a diverse terroir with different soil types and microclimates, thanks to its hilly and varied landscape. This diversity allows for the production of a wide range of wine styles.

3. Wine Styles: Monferrato produces a variety of wine styles, including red, white, and sparkling wines. While red wines dominate the production, you can also find white wines made from grape varieties like Cortese and Chardonnay. In addition, sparkling wines, both still and slightly sparkling, are crafted in the region.

4. Wine Regulations: The Monferrato region is divided into various DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) appellations, each with its own specific regulations governing grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and aging requirements. Some of the well-known appellations in Monferrato include Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Barbera del Monferrato DOC, Dolcetto d'Alba DOC, and Moscato d'Asti DOCG, among others.

5. Food Pairing: Monferrato wines are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of Italian dishes. Barbera wines, with their acidity and fruity notes, go well with tomato-based pasta dishes, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. Dolcetto wines complement lighter dishes, such as antipasti and charcuterie, while Moscato d'Asti is an ideal choice for pairing with fruit desserts and pastries.

In summary, Monferrato is a diverse and exciting wine region in Piedmont, Italy, known for its Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato wines, among others. These wines showcase the region's unique terroir and provide a delicious taste of Piedmontese winemaking traditions.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and stay tuned for the next Piemonte adventure. Welcome to our world!