Although little seen outside of Italy’s Piedmont region, a surprising array of styles come from a relatively small geographical area.

Inexpensive examples

These tend to be lighter-bodied with floral rose and sour cherry aromatics, restrained fruit, and plenty of palate-cleansing acidity.

Traditional

The traditional medium-bodied style offers darker fruit (plum and black cherry), spicy licorice notes, and wet earth aromatics. Although still high in acidity, the higher levels of fruit and tannin balance its bite.

Modern

The newer modern style offers a richer, riper black fruit profile (plum and blackberry), candied red licorice notes, and often chocolate, coffee, or toasty vanilla notes courtesy of new oak barrels.