Nizza DOCG is a 100% Barbera, red wine-only denomination from the Monferrato area of Piemonte (Piedmont), Italy. The Nizza region comprises 18 townships (‘comuni’) which are listed below around the town of Nizza Monferrato in the southern part of the Barbera d’Asti DOCG.

Communes (18): Agliano Terme, Belveglio, Bruno, Calamandrana, Castel Boglione, Castelnuovo Belbo, Castelnuovo Calcea, Castel Rocchero, Cortiglione, Incisa Scapaccino, Moasca, Mombaruzzo, Mombercelli, Nizza Monferrato, Rocchetta Palafea, San Marzano Oliveto, Vaglio Serra, Vinchio.

Nizza’s post of difference: The extra ripeness levels in Nizza’s Barbera grapes meant bulk wine prices for Nizza Barbera had historically been higher than those for Barbera d’Asti, hence Nizza’s desire for its own stand-alone denomination. From 2000-2007 Nizza was recognised as a sub-zone of (the then) Barbera d’Asti (DOC) and the wines were labelled Barbera d’Asti DOC Superiore Nizza. This was for a 100% Barbera wine, compared to only 90% minimum for Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Asti Superiore. Maximum yields of 7 tonnes, compared to 9 tonnes for Barbera d’Asti DOC. The wine had to age 12 months before release, of which 6 months had to be in oak. In 2008 Barbera d’Asti DOC became a DOCG as did its Nizza sub-zone as Barbera d’Asti DOCG Nizza. Same rules as before. In 2014 Nizza became a DOCG in its own right, separate from Barbera d’Asti DOC. Nizza DOCG is 100% Barbera. 18m of ageing of which at least 6m in oak. 13% alcohol minimum. Yields: 7 tonnes/ha maximum. In 2015 the Nizza DOCG Riserva category was introduced. Again, a 100% Barbera red wine. Yields: 7 tonnes/ha maximum. 30m of ageing of which at least 12m in oak. 13.0% alcohol minimum. Nizza DOCG Vigna is a 100% Barbera from a recognised site or ‘vigna’. Maximum yields of 6.3 tonnes/ha. 13.5% alcohol minimum. The Nizza DOCG Riserva Vigna is a 100% Barbera from a recognised site or ‘vigna’. 6.3 tonnes/ha maximum. Ageing: 30m of of which at least 12m in oak. 13.5% alcohol minimum.

Winemaking: Chaptalization is not allowed. 

Wineries

No certification: Ivaldo Dario. | Il Botolo (Nizza Monferrato).