With the fall of the Roman Empire, Piedmont underwent the fate of much of Italy – by a sequence of invading hordes from the east and north. Among them, the French feudal family of Savoy occupied Turin briefly in the 11th century. The Savoy house was back again in the 13th century and ruled for about 500 years, until the French Republican army defeated it. They returned to power after the fall of Napoleon's empire and remained the ruling family until the end WWII and the birth of the Italian Republic.

Because the King was known to prefer wines made with the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is regarded as “the king of Italian wines!”  

Viticulture

Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto dominate the red wine scene in this region.  Whites from the Alta-Langhe hills (or upper Langhe region) range in variety from Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc to ancient varietals of Nascetta, Moscato.  Arneis is also a traditional white grape known to grow best in the Roero hills. 

The eastern region of the Piedmont also houses the white wine called Gavi.  Here one can find vines up to 80 years old that offer complexity and elegance from the Cortese grapes.

Noble Varietals

Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto for red wines.  Arneis, Cortese and Moscato for whites.