Piemont

DOCG for red wine in the Piemont region in Italy. The zone was elevated to DOCG status from DOC in 2008, it has a vineyard area of 9.600 hectares, and includes more than 100 communes in the province of Asti and more than 50 communes in the province of Alessandria. The wine is made from the Barbera grape (minimum 85%), it may additionally contain any of the following: Dolcetto, Freisa and Grignolino (up to a total of 15%). The minimum alcohol content prescribed is 12%. If it has a minimum alcohol level of 12,5% vol., and has been matured for a year (of which six months in barrel) it may be called Superiore. This may then also bear the name of one of the three single vineyard names (sub-zones, vigna) Colli Astiani or also Astiano, Nizza or Tinella if the grapes originate exclusively from one of these vineyards. Well-known producers include L´Armangia, L´Arbiola, La Barbatella, Bauda, Bava, Bera, Bersano, Bertelli, Boeri, Boffa, Braida, Ca´ del Fer, Ca´ del Prete, Cascina Castlèt, Dezzani, Grésy, Martinetti, Mongetto, Pavia, Rinaldi, Rivetti, Scrimaglio, Trinchero and Vietti.