📍 Langhe

The Langhe is a hilly area in north-western Italy, in Piedmont, around the town of Alba. It is the heart of Piedmontese winemaking and the home of Italy's two best-known reds, Barolo and Barbaresco. The Langhe hills are on UNESCO's list as part of the vineyard landscape of Piedmont (since 2014).

The main grape is Nebbiolo. It ripens late, gives wines with high tannin and acidity and aromas of rose, cherry and tar, and needs ageing. Nearby grow Barbera (juicy, high in acidity) and Dolcetto (soft and fruity). White grapes include Arneis, the local Nascetta and Chardonnay.

The soils are limestone, clay and sand, so wines from different villages differ noticeably. Barolo and Barbaresco hold the top DOCG category, within which single vineyards are distinguished. There is also a general Langhe DOC for simple wines from local and international grapes, and the sparkling Alta Langa.

The area is also famous for the white truffles of Alba, so food and wine pair naturally here. North of the Langhe lies the neighbouring Roero, known for Arneis, and to the east Monferrato. Together they form the UNESCO landscape. Barolo and Barbaresco age for years: young bottles are best opened no sooner than five to seven years after harvest.