Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza wine is made under the highest quality controls of the Barbera d'Asti DOCG, specifically from Barbera grapes grown in the delimited Nizza viticultural zone. This zone covers a relatively large and hilly area immediately south of Asti town, and takes in a considerable part of the wider Asti catchment area. The official regulations for the Nizza zone state that it covers the communes of Agliano Terme, Belveglio, Calamandrana, Castel Boglione, Castelnuovo Belbo, Castelnuovo Calcea, Castel Rocchero, Cortiglione, Incisa Scapaccino, Mombaruzzo, Mombercelli, Nizza Monferrato, Vaglio Serra, Vinchio, Bruno, Rocchetta Palafea, Moasca and San Marzano Oliveto.
There are two other official viticultural subzones identified within the Barbera d'Asti DOCG: Tinella and Astiani. All three names may only be used officially for superiore wines, which have a slightly higher final alcohol content than standard Barbera d'Asti, and are aged for at least one year prior to release.
Barbera d'Asti is one of the most famous DOCs in Italy's north-western Piedmont region. It was upgraded from DOC level to its DOCG classification in 2008, adding to Piedmont's already impressive standing at this highest level of Italian wine classification. For more information on the region, please see Barbera d'Asti.
