by guest blogger Kristina Vanni
Organically produced foods had a strong showing on the National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” chef survey as one of the hottest culinary trends in 2009. This includes not only organic produce, but also organic wines. Being the intrepid traveler I am, I recently visited the region of Piemonte, Italy and had an opportunity to learn about the unique and diverse grape varieties of the area.
The region is home to 45 Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and twelve Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wines. Are you left scratching your head trying to figure out what I’m talking about? Have no fear (and remember, everything sounds better in Italian!), this is simply an Italian quality assurance label for food products and especially wines. In order to be labeled DOC or DOCG, a product must be produced within the specified region using specific methods and that it satisfies a defined quality standard.
Piemonte’s wines are as abundant and distinct as the region’s beautiful landscapes – the shutterbug in you will swoon. From the light and fruity Gavi to the intense, full-bodied Barolo, this region is home to some of the most prestigious and fascinating wines.
If the wine enthusiast in you is thirsting for more about Piemonte’s many varieties, we have them defined here “by the barrel.”
