This is the last version of the Langhe and Roero Denominations and was included to give extra prestige to the zones around Alba that are excluded from the Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero Denominations.
In the end, the ‘Alba’ Denomination became so well-rooted in the area that the entire region of 44 communes utilises the category. This wine must contain at least 70 % Nebbiolo and at least 15 % Barbera, plus not more than 5% of red grapes of other varieties that must have been cultivated locally.
Alba Doc is a blend which traditionally was assembled to mitigate the strength of Nebbiolo’s characteristics with those of Barbera: in fact, it could well be defined the classical ‘Alba blend’. These are wines with great character that need to be aged carefully for at least two years before sale. Here, also, the ‘Superior’ category exists.