Nizza vineyard
Does Nebbiolo have a rival in the hills of northwest Italy? Certamente: it is the noble Barbera grape. In the 21st century, Barbera emerged as one of Piedmont’s most glamorous and fashionable red varieties, producing ripe, bold red wines of impeccable balance and poise. One of the most important sources of these delectable reds is Barbera d’Asti. Here, Barbera finds its most dazzling expression in the Nizza subzone, to the southeast of Asti. Awarded its own DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designation in 2014, Nizza has gone from strength to strength.
It is certainly one of Piedmont’s most beautiful (and unspoiled) regions. The vineyards surround the picturesque town of Nizza Monferrato, in an area of outstanding natural beauty: vines cover the undulating landscape, interspersed with hilltop villages and traditional farms. Today, over 15 municipalities can produce a Nizza DOCG wine: Agliano Terme, Belveglio, Bruno, Calamandrana, Castel Boglione, Castelnuovo Belbo, Castelnuovo Calcea, Castel Rocchero, Cortiglione, Incisa Scapaccino, Moasca, Mombaruzzo, Mombercelli, Nizza Monferrato, Rocchetta Palafea, San Marzano Oliveto, Vaglio Serra and Vinchio.
The local soils are calcareous, with sandstone and sand-clay found in the upper stratum. Approximately 250 hectares of Barbera (only one grape is permitted under the DOCG rules) are planted in the Nizza zone, with strict guidelines concerning yield and cultivation methods.
Taming Barbera
Viticulture expertise is a vital part of Nizza’s winegrowing tradition – Barbera does not give producers an easy ride. A rigorous pruning regime, therefore, is essential to control the vine’s natural vigour
