'Il Cerreto' Barbera d'Alba 2021

Piedmont sits in the northwest of Italy and is known for producing some of the country’s most distinctive and characterful wines. Nebbiolo is the headline act here, forming the backbone of Barolo and Barbaresco wines with firm structure and bright acidity. Barbera and Dolcetto add more easy-going everyday (and great value) options, while the region also produces crisp whites from Arneis and Nascetta, as well as the lightly sparkling, sweet Moscato d’Asti. Winemaking in Piedmont leans on tradition with a focus on expressing each vineyard site clearly. The result is a region defined by clarity, structure, and a strong sense of place in every style.

Italy’s winemaking roots run through the ancient Etruscans and Romans, who spread viticulture across the peninsula. Today, it blends deep tradition with forward-thinking producers who champion native grapes and terroir-driven styles. The country is a patchwork of regions, grapes and traditions, producing everything from alpine whites in the north to sun-soaked reds in the south. Its appellation system is built around DOC and DOCG, which help signpost quality and origin across a landscape that can shift dramatically from one area to the next. Key grapes such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Barbera sit alongside countless local varieties that shape each region's identity. Whether it is the structure of Chianti Classico and Piedmont, or the bright coastal styles of Sicily, Italian wine is ultimately about diversity and a strong sense of place.