Piemonte - Italy

The Piedmont region lies at the foot of the Alps and offers a similar combination of excellent wines, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. You could easily spend your entire holiday nestled among the stunning vineyards and cantinas of the Langhe. It is here, in these hills, that some of the finest and most structured red wines are crafted, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto.

The landscape, with its endless vineyards, is so unique and perfect that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. Furthermore, a new generation of winemakers has revived authentic, ancient grape varieties such as Arneis and Favorita—two fragrant, fresh, and delicious white wines.

The area is truly stunning, and the best way to fully experience it is by visiting all the small towns by car. The scenery surprises you with every turn you take. There are numerous wineries and vineyards where you can stop by and enjoy a wonderful wine tasting.

Top Tip: An exceptionally good B&B near Alba is Cascina Giardini.

Barolo - Winery Marchesi di Barolo

The historic cellars of Marchesi di Barolo are located in the town of Barolo, in the building overlooking the castle of the Marquis Falletti. It was here, more than 200 years ago, that a beautiful story began. It is the story of a wine cellar where, in the heart of the Langhe region and sheltered by rolling hills, a wine was born. This wine, as French tradition suggests, was named Barolo, after the town where it was first produced.

Barolo - Winery Marchesi di Barolo

Barolo as we know it today originated in the second half of the 19th century. The credit goes to Marchesi di Barolo, or more specifically, the Marquise. Originally from France, she was accustomed to high-quality wines and found the local Nebbiolo wine unappealing.

By implementing complete fermentation and aging the wine in large Slavonian oak barrels around 1830, she succeeded in elevating the quality to its full potential: a Nebbiolo grape that is powerful and austere, ages beautifully, and possesses all the characteristics to express this extraordinary terroir. The Marquise was so proud of this exquisite wine that she decided to send a large number of barrels to the King of Piedmont and Sardinia. The King enjoyed the wine so much that he purchased the Marquise's entire production. This is why Barolo is still known today as "the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings."

A visit to this winery is a fantastic experience. Be sure to stop by and enjoy a tasting of these beautiful wines: Marchesi di Barolo. De Marchesi di Barolo

Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape and originates from the town of Barolo in Piedmont. In addition to the diversity of the Piedmontese soil, the Langhe is characterized by a unique microclimate that is more temperate than neighboring areas: the Alps provide protection from cold northwestern winds, while the Apennines shield the southern side. The temperature range during harvest is essential for developing the grapes' intense aromas; the sharp shift between day and night temperatures causes crystallization on the grape skins, resulting in extraordinary scents and fragrances after vinification.

However, the greatest credit goes to the people who understood what nature spontaneously offered. Through its long, historical experience, Marchesi di Barolo serves as a faithful exponent of the land's diversity and its indigenous vines, while meticulously respecting and preserving the typical characteristics of its products. This is achieved by using grapes from estate vineyards as well as contributions from winegrowers selected over the years, prioritizing optimal positioning and the ability to maintain individual vineyards. Marchesi di Barolo manages approximately 200 hectares of vineyards and produces wines from the most important native varieties of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. To better define and enhance their distinct characteristics, the most prestigious historic crus are made from a single variety, aged individually, and bottled separately.

If you want to get to know the Nebbiolo grape, start with the Barolo from Marchesi di Barolo. The color is garnet red with ruby reflections. The aroma is intense and persistent, with distinct notes of spices, cinnamon, wormwood, tobacco, and wild rose. The palate is full and elegant, with soft tannins. The spicy tones and hints of wood blend together perfectly.