The Nizza Producers’ Association has officially become a Protection Consortium. This ministerial recognition marks the beginning of a new phase for the Barbera del Monferrato appellation: strengthening its presence in international markets, while also focusing on MGA, protection, and research.
Nizza DOCG is taking a decisive step forward in its growth. With the decree issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on June 22, 2026 , the Nizza DOCG Consortium was officially recognized . The consortium carries on the legacyof the Nizza Producers’ Association, founded in 2002, and assumes the role of the body responsible for protecting the appellation.
This recognition comes after the consortium met the representativeness requirements set forth by law and allows the new consortium to also exercise its functions erga omnes—that is, to extend its activities of protection, promotion, and enhancement to the entire appellation and not just to its member wineries.
From an Association to a Consortium
The history of Nizza DOCG is relatively recent but has been marked by steady growth. The project took shape in 2000 with the recognition of the Nizza subzone within the Barbera d’Asti Superiore appellation.
Two years later,the Nizza Producers’ Association was founded, with the goal of obtaining its own appellation.
The turning point came in 2014 with the creation of the Nizza DOCG, accompanied by the introduction of the Riserva and Vigna categories; today, the transition to a consortium represents the natural evolution of a journey built on promoting single-varietal Barbera produced in the 18 municipalities of the region.
One million bottles and 40 markets
The figures confirm the strength of the appellation. In 2025, approximately one million bottles were sold, with over 180 labels on the market, an estimated turnover of about 30 million euros, and exports accounting for 55% of production, concentrated primarily in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. Nizza DOCG is now available in over 40 international markets, with particularly strong presence in Switzerland, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
The new consortium brings together 97 wineries, all committed to promoting a wine made exclusively from Barbera grapes, with limited yields and strict production guidelines: at least 18 months of aging for the Nizza and 30 months for the Riserva, of which 6 and 12 months, respectively, are spent in oak.
The Goals: Growth, MGA, and Research
Stefano Chiarlo was re-elected as president, with Gianni Bertolino and Daniele Chiappone serving as vice presidents. “ Our primary goal will be to preserve the spirit that has always distinguished the Nizza Producers’ Association. We aim not only to be an organization dedicated to protecting the appellation, but also a forum for dialogue and growth for producers, and a tool for promoting the entire region and all the stakeholders involved. “.
Among the projects already announced are
- the inclusion of the MGA (Additional Geographical Indications) in the specifications,
- combating market speculation,
- collaborations with other leading organizations and experimental initiatives to address the effects of climate change.
This initiative is also supported by the vineyard mapping project launched in 2018 in collaboration with Alessandro Masnaghetti, which is intended to define the appellation’s future geographical units.
The prospects for production remain strong. According to the Consortium, there are still approximately 720 hectares of land that could potentially be claimed, which would allow for the production of up to 4.5 million bottles, while maintaining a focus on quality and regional identity.
