The star wine of the Monferrato hills in Piedmont is Barbera and that wine is labeled as Barbera del Monferrato. Piedmont lacks an IGT designation, so in practice the Monferrato DOC (established in 1994) is used in Monferrato to cover international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay along with unusual blends.

It can also be used for Cortese from Casale in addition to Dolcetto and Freisa. All told, nearly 3,000 acres produce 500,000 cases per year of a wide range of reds and whites that will be labeled simply as "Monferrato," with or without a varietal designation. (Wine/Appellations)