Top 4 Local Wine Varieties
in the Metropolitan City of Turin

Becuet is a rare red grape from Piedmont that is mostly planted in Susa Valley (Valle di Susa). It is often used in blends to provide body, color, and structure, usually with the native Avanà in Ramiè DOC, but it can also make an interesting varietal. The grape is also suitable for late-harvest wines that can age well. Becuet is an old grape that produces somewhat rustic wines. They are usually intensely colored and tannic with light floral and fruity aromas. If treated and vinified correctly, Becuet is able to produce excellent quality wines. Expand

Avanà is a red grape probably native to Piedmont that is now mainly found in Susa Valley (Valle di Susa). It is suggested that the grape was brought from France during the Duchy of Savoy, but it is mostly associated with Italy. After phylloxera, Avanà was rarely replanted, and it is still extremely rare, though there has been some effort to reintroduce it as a suitable local variety. Avanà produces light and approachable red wines with a medium body and light ruby red color. The wines have a floral and fruity aroma, sometimes with some hints of bitter, almond-like nuances. They are best enjoyed young. Varietal examples are rare but available at several local producers. In blends, it is usually combined with Barbera, Freisa, or Beceut. The grape is also sometimes used to produce ice wine (vino di ghiaccio). Expand

Doux d'Henry is a rare red grape native to the Pinerolo area in Torino, Piedmont. It was once a common variety in the region but became less common after phylloxera. Doux d'Henry is used in in Pinerolese Rosso DOC and the varietal Pinerolese Doux d'Henry, where it has to make a minimum of 85%. The grape produces light-bodied and light-colored red wines with a floral and fruity aroma. The wines are light, fresh, and approachable, sometimes with a subtle sweetness. They are best enjoyed young and served with appetizers or white meat. Sweeter styles can be served with desserts. The unusual name of the grape was allegedly inspired by Henri IV of France, who gave compliments to the wines when he passed through the region. The doux part probably refers to residual sweetness sometimes found in these wines. Interestingly, Doux d'Henry only has functional female flowers. Expand

Malvasia di Schierano is one of the dark-skinned Malvasia varieties. It is cultivated in Piedmont, with most of the plantings around Torino. Malvasia di Schierano is usually vinified into subtly sweet aromatic red wines. It is also suitable for sparkling styles. Malvasia di Schierano is a ruby red wine with floral and fruity aromas reminiscent of red berries, roses, and iris. It is a light and approachable wine with a refreshing character and usually low alcohol content. Malvasia di Schierano wines are best paired with dry pastries, fresh fruit or fruit-based desserts, and chocolates. They also work well as aperitif wines. The grape is used in two DOC appellations, Collina Torinese Malvasia and Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco.Expand