In the region in northwestern Italy, vines are grown on almost 50,000 hectares. The protection of the Alps ensures particularly favorable climatic conditions in Piedmont. Around 90 percent of the growing area is planted with red grapes. The most important grape variety is Nebbiolo, which is the basis of the wines Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero. The Barbera grape also plays an important role in the region. Among the white wines, the Cortese and Arneis varieties dominate.