June 30, 2026, Nizza Monferrato – A historic milestone for the Piedmontese and Italian wine scene: by decree of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, the Consorzio del Nizza DOCG (link) was officially recognized on June 22, 2026.
This recognition marks the evolution of the Associazione Produttori del Nizza, founded in 2002, into a fully-fledged protection Consortium tasked with the promotion, development, and safeguarding of the appellation. Having successfully met the representativeness requirements established by law, the Consortium will also operate with erga omnes powers, extending its activities and decisions to benefit the entire appellation.
„This achievement crowns the dream of an association founded nearly twenty-five years ago, yet rooted in a much deeper history and in an exceptionally close-knit community of producers,“ states President Stefano Chiarlo. „Our first thanks go to the institutions for their unwavering support, but our greatest gratitude is owed to the producers: to those who believed in this project from day one, and to everyone who has chosen to join us over the years. The Consorzio del Nizza DOCG represents a fundamental milestone in a journey of growth and ambition of which we are profoundly proud.
Our primary goal will be to preserve the spirit that has always defined the Association: to be not just a regulatory body protecting the appellation, but a hub for dialogue and growth for our producers, as well as a tool to elevate the entire territory and everyone involved„.
The headquarters of the new Consortium will be located in Nizza Monferrato, at via Gobetti 5. Stefano Chiarlo, Cantina Michele Chiarlo (link), has been confirmed as President, supported by Vice Presidents Gianni Bertolino, Tenuta Olim Bauda (link), and Daniele Chiappone, Erede di Chiappone Armando (link).
The Board of Directors also includes: Francesca Bava (Bava), Gianmario Cerutti (Coppo), Clementina Cossetti (Cossetti Vini), Claudio Da Casto (Da Casto Duilio), Mauro Damerio (Damerio), Alessandro Durio (Durio Adriano), Bruno Fortunato (Cantina Sociale Tre Secoli), Stefano Gagliardo (Tenute Garetto), Susanna Galandrino (La Gironda), Lorenzo Giordano (Cantina Sociale Vinchio Vaglio), Gianluca Morino (Cascina Garitina) and Diego Rodella (Cantina Sociale di Nizza Monferrato).
The Appellation: History and Numbers
Nizza DOCG was born in the heart of Monferrato (link), within the UNESCO World Heritage site (link) ,where the Barbera grape reaches one of its highest expressions thanks to the perfect balance of soil, climate, and winemaking tradition.
The history of the appellation is the result of a long journey. In 2000, the Nizza subzone was recognized within the Barbera d’Asti Superiore; in 2002, the Associazione Produttori del Nizza was established; and in 2008, Barbera d’Asti achieved DOCG status with stricter production regulations. The turning point came in 2014 with the creation of the standalone Nizza DOCG appellation, alongside the introduction of the Riserva version and the Vigna (single-vineyard) designation.
Today, the Consortium represents 97 member wineries (link) producing Nizza from vineyards located across the 18 municipalities (link) of the production area, with its core in Nizza Monferrato.
The figures reflect the solidity of the project: approximately 1 million bottles sold in 2025, over 180 labels, an overall economic value of around 30 million euros, and an export share of 55%. Exports are heavily concentrated in the HoReCa. channel, with a presence in more than 40 international markets, particularly Switzerland, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
Growth prospects remain highly significant: the approximately 720 hectares still potentially eligible to be claimed under the Nizza DOCG regulations could allow for a substantial increase in production.
„Our long-term goal is to reach 4 to 5 million bottles,“ concludes Stefano Chiarlo. „We want to achieve this while keeping our identity intact and involving a growing number of wineries that choose to invest in the region. We aim to be an inclusive Consortium, open to anyone who shares our vision. Our commitment will always be to safeguard, promote, and share the soul of Nizza DOCG with the world: the indissoluble bond between the wine, the land, and the people who care for it every day„.
About Consorzio del Nizza DOCG
Born from the experience of the Associazione Produttori del Nizza (founded in 2002), the Consorzio del Nizza DOCG protects and promotes the homonymous appellation—the ultimate expression of Barbera produced within the 18 municipalities of the Nizza DOCG area, located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Monferrato region. Today, it brings together 97 member wineries, working to consolidate the appellation’s positioning among the great excellences of Italian wine, both domestically and in international markets.
