Other, lesser-known reds from Piedmont include such Nebbiolo-based wines as Gattinara and Ghemme as well as wines from other varieties such as Ruché and Grignolino.

Gattinara and Ghemme are produced in northern Piedmont, known as Alto Piemonte. These are rich wines with great complexity and very good acidity. Though not as powerful as Barolo, the wines often age quite as well, as long as twenty to thirty years, due to both the amount of tannins as well as the acidity levels.

Ruché is medium-bodied and has light tannins and good acidity. The wine has a spicy, pink peppercorn and red spicy quality to it, making it a fine pairing with foods from salumi to grilled poultry. Grignolino is very light in color (almost rose-like) with strawberry and tart cherry flavors and very good acidity. It is means for early consumption with salumi and lighter pastas.