Nebbiolo

ABOUT NEBBIOLO

Nebbiolo is sometimes referred to as Italy’s answer to Pinot Noir, but don’t let an Italian catch you saying that! Hailing from the rolling hills of Piedmont, this Northern Italian variety is perhaps most famously seen under the denomination ‘Barolo’ or ‘Barbaresco’, both of which relate to two small subregions historically known for producing some of the world’s best Nebbiolo. The variety is, however, widely grown across the Piedmont region, as well as in the neighbouring regions of Lombardy and Valle d’Aosta.

Nebbiolo is somewhat perplexing when made as a red wine. When made in a traditional North Italian wine style, its light garnet hue and aromas of red fruits and florals often belie its firm tannin structure, high acidity and savoury palate. These qualities are contributing factors to the perceived ageability of Nebbiolo, particularly with regard to Barolo Riserva and Barbaresco Riserva. This is not to say that all Nebbiolo requires ageing, however –it can also be made into more delicate, fruit-forward red wines that are a joy to drink in their youth!