The Langhe DOC covers the whole hilly area that climbs from the Tanaro valley floor towards the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo, with Alba at its centre. It was recognised in 1994 as a broad appellation, designed to take in wines that do not fall within the historic DOCGs of the same area or that use grapes other than those they allow.
The regulations admit a range of grapes unusual for Piedmont: among the whites Arneis, Chardonnay, Favorita, Nascetta, Riesling, Rossese Bianco and Sauvignon; among the reds Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Varietal wines require at least 85% of the named grape; the Bianco and Rosso may be made from grapes in any proportion. Minimum alcohol starts at 10.5 degrees, and Nascetta del Comune di Novello is the sub-zone reserved for that village's native white.
Langhe Nebbiolo is the most widespread version: a leaner red than Barolo and Barbaresco, ready sooner, suited to pasta with meat sauces, tajarin and medium-aged cheeses. The whites, fresh and aromatic, go with starters and freshwater fish.
