📜 Pinerolese

Pinerolese is an Italian protected designation of origin (PDO, DOC) for wines from the Pinerolo area at the foot of the Cottian Alps in Piedmont. It has been in the EU register since 14 April 2004.

The single document describes twelve types: Rosso, Rosato, Barbera, Barbera Superiore, Bonarda, Freisa, Dolcetto, Doux d'Henry, Ramìe, Nebbiolo, Malvasia and Bian Ver. All are still wines. Rosso has a minimum total alcoholic strength of 11.50% vol and Rosato is pink or light ruby red. The white types are Malvasia, from Malvasia Moscata and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica (at least 85%), and Bian Ver (at least 85% Bian Ver). Pinerolese Nebbiolo needs at least 90% Nebbiolo and 12 months of ageing from 1 November of the harvest year, of which at least 6 months in wooden barrels. Pinerolese Ramìe is limited to the municipalities of Pomaretto and Perosa Argentina.

The grape area covers the whole territory of named municipalities in the province of Turin, plus Bagnolo and Barge in the province of Cuneo. Pinerolese Nebbiolo has a narrower area, with altitude limits of 350 to 650 m, or 300 to 550 m for Bagnolo and Barge.

Maximum yields run from 7,000 to 9,000 kg of grapes per hectare depending on the type. New or replanted vineyards need at least 3,000 vines per hectare. Wine-making must take place in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, Cuneo and Turin, and bottling anywhere in Piedmont.