World Famous Grapes
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the grape behind the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
About Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is an extreme grape that combines high acidity with lots of tannins. The wines need storage and a high level of alcohol to be consumable. However, Nebbiolo wines will never be completely soft.
Nebbiolo wines will usually need years of storage before the high tannin is reduced to a comfortable level. It develops storage flavors of truffles, leather, chocolate and tobacco.
These are wines that can be difficult to understand, and Nebbiolo wines should definitely be consumed with food. The acid and tannin form a structure that somehow melts into the food, and harmonize and balance the aromas of the wine.
The taste of Nebbiolo can remind you of a mixture of Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Nebbia = Fog
It is believed that "Nebbiolo" is derived from the Italian word "Nebbia" ("fog"). During harvest in October, an intense fog sets into the Langhe region where the vineyards are located. Or maybe it refers to the fog-like "dust" that forms over the berries as they reach maturity.
Nebbiolo DOCG Denominazioni
DOCG is Italy's highest wine classification
(Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
| Barolo DOCG 1980 | Riserva |
|---|---|
|
100% Nebbiolo 38+ Months Aged 18+ Months in Oak 20+ Months in Bottle Minimum 13.0% Alcohol |
100% Nebbiolo 62+ Months Aged 18+ Months in Oak 44+ Monts in Bottle Minimum 13.0% Alcohol |
| Barbaresco DOCG 1980 | Barbaresco Riserva |
|
100% Nebbiolo 26+ Months Aged 9+ Months in Oak 17+ Months in Bottle Minimum 12.5% Alcohol |
100% Nebbiolo 50+ Months Aged 9+ Months in Oak 41+ Months in Bottle Minimum 12.5% Alcohol |
| Gattinara DOCG 1990 | Riserva |
|
Min 90% Spanna * Max 10% Uva Rara ** Max 4% Vespolina 35+ Months Aged 24+ Months in Oak 11+ Months in Bottle Minimum 12.5% Alcohol |
Min 90% Spanna * Max 10% Uva Rara ** Max 4% Vespolina 47+ Months Aged 36+ Months in Oak 11+ Months in Bottle Minimum 13.0% Alcohol |
| Ghemme DOCG 1997 | Riserva |
|
Min 85% Spanna * Max 15% Uva Rara ** Max 15% Vespolina 36+ Months Aged 18+ Months in Oak 6+ Months in Bottle Minimum 12.0% Alcohol |
Min 85% Spanna * Max 15% Uva Rara ** Max 15% Vespolina 48+ Months Aged 24+ Months in Oak 12+ Months in Bottle Minimum 12.5% Alcohol |
| Terre Alfieri DOCG 2020 | Riserva |
|
Min 100% Nebbiolo 12+ Months Aged 6+ Months in Oak 6+ Months in Bottle Minimum 13.0% Alcohol |
Min 100% Nebbiolo 24+ Months Aged 12+ Months in Oak 12+ Months in Bottle Minimum 13.5% Alcohol |
* Spanna is a local name for Nebbiolo
** Uva Rara is locally known as Bonarda di Gattinara
Nebbiolo Flavors
Nebbiolo tastes something between Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Raspberry, Sour Red Cherry, Wild Cherries, and Cranberries are typical Nebbiolo flavors, with hints of Forest floor, Flowers, Herbs, Licorice or Anise, and other Spices.
 Raspberry |
 Sour Cherry |
 Wild Cherry |
 Cranberry |
 Herbs |
 Red Rose |
 Violet |
 Licorice |
Flavors from Maturation and Aging
 Tar |
 Mushroom |
 Truffle |
 Chocolate |
 Coffee |
 Spices |
 Tobacco |
 Leather |
Nebbiolo Profile
Nebbiolo wines are full-bodied with strong acidity and high tannins:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| TANNINS: | Medium - High |
| FRUIT: | Medium Plus |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 13-14% ABV |
 |
Serving temperatures: 16-17°C (61-63°F) |
Nebbiolo Food Pairing
Nebbiolo is a powerful red wine. It pairs best with strong and rich flavors.
A classic pairing is white truffles, as Nebbiolo mirrors the earthy, gamey quality of the truffles.
Truffle |
 Pasta |
 Risotto |
 Rich Pizza |
 Charcuterie |
 Salami |
 Duck |
 Goose |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
 Veal |
 Meat |
 Rabbit |
 Wild Boar |
 Deer |
 Hamburger |
Excellent Pairings
Truffle and Mushroom Dishes.
Risotto with Truffle. Mushroom Pizza.
Pasta with strong Tomato or Truffle Sauce.
Rich Charcuterie. Salami.
Rich Stews. Beef Stew. Ragù. Stroganof.
Meat Pie. Shepherd's Pie.
Duck Brest. Confit. Roast Goose.
Game. Rabbit. Wild Boar. Deer.
Roasted Beef. Lamb. Veal. Liver.
Read Meat. Fillet Steak.
Piemonte Spesialities
Risotto al Tartufo Bianco (White Truffles).
Carne Cruda (Beef Tartare).
Manzo Stufato alla Piemontese (Beef Stew).
Osso Buco (Veal Shanks braised with Vegetables).
Stufato di Coniglio (Rabbit Stew).
Lombardian Specialities
Risotto alla Milanese.
Pizzoccheri (Alpine Fresh Tagliatelle).
The Ideal Glass for Nebbiolo
|
The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
