Once relatively unheard of, the Nizza appellation located in Piedmont's Asti region, has been quietly crafting superior Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wines from the Barbera grape. Ten years have whisked by since its establishment, and only now is the world beginning to comprehend the rich quality of this Barbera d'Asti sub-region.

David Giuliano, the Italian portfolio manager for New York's Regal Wine Imports, has much to say concerning Nizza. He notes, “In the Langhe region, Barbera will always get the second-quality parcel of the vineyard, while in Nizza, Barbera gets its day in the sun. Barbera can reach its full potential on hillside sites that would otherwise be reserved for the revered Nebbiolo grape in the Langhe region."

Emanating from these premium vineyards, Nizza wines are held to stringent DOCG requirements. The wines from Nizza need to be crafted entirely from Barbera, with a minimum vine number and maximum bud count per vine. These standards, along with other yield and aging requirements, uphold Nizza's reputation for superior winemaking.

The wines from Nizza DOCG showcase the full-bodied charisma of the Barbera variety. Each glass reveals an intense ruby hue, infusing the aromas of ripe red cherries and spicy chocolate. With a diverse range of flavors, from ripe cherries to earthy wild mushrooms, they offer complexity with a refreshing acidity and modest tannins.

Beki Miller, the experienced sommelier at Wolfgang Puck's Caramá in Las Vegas, is a fan praising Nizza wines for their structure and graceful aging. “The crunchy acidity found in Nizza wines pairs exquisitely with cured meats and aged cheeses." Likewise, Dana Beninati, the chef/sommelier of New York's Dine with Dana, loves serving Nizza wines with salted and spiced snacks, amplifying how these wines create an inviting atmosphere for dinner parties.

As Nizza DOCG wines become increasingly available to U.S. consumers, here are some producers to seek out - Ricossa, a family of Piedmontese winemakers since the 19th century, produces the spellbinding 2019 Lorenzo Ricossa Noceto Nizza ($28); Michele Chiarlo, a pioneer of the Nizza designation, offers 2021 La Court Vigna Veja Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza ($67) and 2022 Cipressi Nizza ($32); Innovative Frasca Wine, with their inaugural vintage 2020 Frasca Nizza ($32); and Guido Berta, who notably focuses on Barbera production, with his 2021 Guido Berta Nizza ($30).