Pinerolese DOC Guide: Piedmont’s Rare Alpine Wine Region

What is Pinerolese DOC?

Pinerolese DOC is one of Italy’s most unique mountain wine regions, tucked into Piedmont’s Alpine foothills west of Turin. Officially recognized in 1996, it’s home to rare indigenous grapes like Doux d’Henry, Ramie, and Avanà, producing wines with bright acidity, alpine herbal notes, and a distinctive mountain elegance. Production is tiny — making these wines highly sought-after by collectors and adventurous wine lovers.

Rare Indigenous Grapes of Pinerolese DOC

While Nebbiolo appears in some blends, Pinerolese DOC shines for its local grapes:

Grape Variety	Profile & Notes
Doux d’Henry	Soft tannins, red cherry, hints of alpine herbs
Avanà	Bright acidity, wild strawberry, earthy undertones
Ramie	Rare to Pinerolese; blackcurrant, spice, and floral lift
Barbera	Adds juicy fruit and freshness to blends
Freisa	Rustic tannins, raspberry, and subtle bitterness

Pinerolese DOC vs Other Piedmont Wines

Feature	Pinerolese DOC	Barolo DOCG	Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Main Grapes	Doux d’Henry, Avanà, Ramie	Nebbiolo	Nebbiolo
Altitude	300–700 m	200–450 m	200–400 m
Style	Light–medium bodied, alpine freshness	Full-bodied, structured	Medium-bodied, elegant
Production	Extremely limited	High demand, global	Moderate
Price Range	€12–€35	€40–€500	€20–€60

Best Pinerolese DOC Producers and Wines

• Le Marie – Pinerolese Ramie DOC 2020 (€18) – Dark berries, mountain herbs, and peppery finish.
  
• Cascina del Finocchio – Pinerolese DOC 2021 (€15) – Fresh cherry, cranberry, and subtle violet notes.
  
• Vitivinicola Rovero – Avanà Superiore 2020 (€22) – Aromatic, with blackcurrant and thyme.
  
• Azienda Agricola Balangero – Pinerolese Barbera DOC 2019 (€14) – Juicy red fruits, lively acidity.
  
• Giovanni Rinaldi – Doux d’Henry Riserva 2018 (€30) – Aged complexity, spice, and silky tannins.
  

Availability:
In the US, available via Wine.com, Eataly, and select boutique importers like Rosenthal Wine Merchant. Limited quantities — join waiting lists when possible.

Food Pairing & Serving Tips

• Styles:
  
  • Red blends: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F)
    
  • Lighter Ramie or Avanà styles: Serve slightly cooler at 14–16°C (57–60°F)
    
• Pairings:
  
  • Bagna càuda with seasonal vegetables
    
  • Mushroom tajarin pasta
    
  • Roasted rabbit with polenta
    
  • Aged toma and Castelmagno cheeses
    
• Recipe suggestion: Tagliatelle with wild boar ragù — perfect with a Doux d’Henry–based blend.
  

Planning Your Pinerolese Wine Region Visit

• Proximity: Only 40 km (25 mi) from Turin — about 45 min by car.
  
• Best Time: September–October (harvest) for cellar tours & festivals.
  
• Itinerary from Turin:
  
  • Morning: Explore Pinerolo’s historic center
    
  • Afternoon: Visit 2–3 wineries (book in advance)
    
  • Evening: Dinner at La Locanda della Maison Verte featuring local wines
    
• Nearby Attractions:
  
  • The medieval fortress of Fenestrelle
    
  • Val Chisone hiking trails
    
  • Local cheese dairies
    
• Stay: Charming B&Bs like Agriturismo Il Fiore della Vita or boutique hotels in Pinerolo.
  

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Sustainable Viticulture in Pinerolese

Many producers here practice organic or biodynamic viticulture, focusing on preserving biodiversity in high-altitude vineyards. Climate change challenges — shorter winters and warmer summers — are pushing winemakers to adapt canopy management and harvest timing to retain freshness.

FAQ

Where can I buy Pinerolese DOC wine in the US?
Specialty importers, Wine.com, and Eataly often stock small allocations.

What makes Pinerolese DOC different from Barolo?
Grape varieties and altitude — Pinerolese focuses on indigenous Alpine grapes and has lighter, fresher profiles.

How much does Pinerolese DOC cost?
€12–€35 in Italy; $20–$50 in the US due to import rarity.

Are Pinerolese DOC wines organic or biodynamic?
Several producers are certified organic; others follow sustainable practices.

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