Zones in Piemonte
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Wine: Red wine
Taste: Dry
Volume: Medium
Min. alcohol: 12.5%
Mandatory Storage: Min. 18 mos.
Storage potential: 10 years
In 2000, 3 subzones were legally created within Barbera d'Asti DOC, namely Nizza, Tinella and Colli Astiani (or Astiano). Since the entire zone was DOCG in 2008, the three subzones were included in the bargain.
Barbera d'Asti Nizza Superiore DOCG is made from Barbera grapes (90-100%), with the permitted addition of local non-aromatic red grapes, mostly Freisa, Grignolino or Dolcetto (0-10%).
For wine tourists it should be stated that the grapes for the Barbera d'Asti Nizza Superiore DOCG are grown in the municipalities of Agliano Terme, Belveglio, Calamandrana, Castel Boglione, Castelnuovo Belbo Castelnuovo Calcea, Castel Rocchero, Cortiglione, Incisa Scapaccino, Mombaruzzo, Mombercelli, Nizza Monferrato, Vaglio Serra, Vinchio, Bruno, Rocchetta Palafea, Moasca and San Marzano Oliveto.
Barbera d'Asti Nizza Superiore DOCG is ruby red as a young wine, but it turns to garnet red with aging. The aroma is intense, distinctive and ethereal. The taste is dry, with rich body, smooth and round, often with a touch of wood.
The mandatory aging period is 18 months starting with January 1st of the year following the harvest, of which minimum 6 months in barrels. The minimum alcohol content is 13%.
Enjoyed with sausages and vegetables dipped in Bagna Cauda (sauce made of oil, butter, anchovies and garlic) and the semi-ripe cheese or gorgonzola.
Notice! The Nizza zone was promoted to DOCG status in 2014 and from this vintage the bottles will be labelled as Nizza DOCG. However, Nizza has not yet been officially approved by the EU, but that should be just a formality. From now on, the principal grape is Barbera (100%).
About Barbera DOC(G) wines
The label always bears the name of the zone where the wine is grown, which includes Barbera d'Alba DOC (depth and structure), Barbera del Monferrato DOC (generally the lightest and most often bubbly), Barbera del Monferrato Superiore (DOCG with greater demands for volume and alcohol) and Barbera d'Asti (DOCG, more accessible and refined).
Other Wines From Piemonte
Did you know?
That Italy in 2011 was the worlds largest wine producer?
So let’s just get one thing straight: at Lombardia (or Lombardy), Italy’s most populated and industrialized region, doesn’t exactly prioritize wine production. Actually, the combined output isn’t that significant, and what is produced is normally consumed locally, especially the wines from Oltrepò Pavese.
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