Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo is one of the greatest black grape varieties in the world and thethe pride of the Piedmont, able to produce wines of extraordinary elegance, complexity and longevity. It is the basis of Barolo e Barbaresco, but also of many other noble appellations of northern Italy.

The name may come from “fog”, because of the waxy bloom that covers the ripe berries or because of the often late harvest, between October and November, when the mists wrap around the hills of the Langhe.

Growing areas

• Piedmont: Langhe, Roero, Alto Piemonte (Ghemme, Gattinara, Boca…)

• Valle d'Aosta: where it is called Picotendro

• Lombardy: Valtellina (under the name Chiavennasca)

• Small plantings in: Sardinia, Australia, California, Argentina

Characteristics of the grape variety

• Ripening: very late

• Thin skin, rich in tannins and anthocyanins

• It loves climates continental, limestone-clay soils, full south/south-west aspect

• Susceptible to: uneven flowering, rot, hail

• Low yields → greater concentration and finesse

Sensory profile of the wine

Colour:

• Pale ruby tending towards garnet even when young

• Never very deep → this is not a wine about colour, but about aromatic depth

Aromas:

• Dried rose, violet, cherry

• White pepper, leather, truffle, tar, dried leaves, tobacco

• In the evolved wines: mushrooms, undergrowth, dried flowers, balsamic notes

Palate:

• Firm tannins, sometimes austere

• High acidity

• Body medium or full, clear-cut structure

• Wine vertical, elegant, for ageing

• Finish long and complex

Main appellations

Ageing

• Compulsory in oak for important DOCGs

• Bottles for collecting and long ageing

• Outstanding wines that also improve over 20 years

Food pairings

• Braised meats, roasts, game

• Beef pot roasts, stews

• Tajarin with truffle, agnolotti with roasting juices

• Castelmagno, Raschera, aged cheeses

• Dishes with porcini mushrooms and truffle

Why choose a wine made from Nebbiolo

Because it is among the most complex and long-lived wines in the world
For those who love red wines elegant, refined and food-friendly
For its the ability to speak of its terroir better than any other Italian grape variety
It is a an absolute must for enthusiasts and collectors