What is the leading red grape of Piedmont, Italy?

Nebbiolo is recognized as the leading red grape of Piedmont, Italy, renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco. This grape variety is celebrated for its complex flavor profile, which often includes notes of cherry, tar, and floral elements, and exhibits a characteristic tannic structure. Nebbiolo thrives in the unique terroir of Piedmont, which includes factors like hilly terrain, well-drained soils, and a climate that allows for a long growing season.

The distinction of Nebbiolo as the premier grape variety is further supported by its prominence in the region’s wine production history and its classification within the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) regulations, which signifies the highest quality level of Italian wines. This grape’s adaptability to the local environment and its ability to produce age-worthy wines solidify its reputation as the flagship red grape of the Piedmont region.