Langhe DOC (1994)

The Langhe DOC area extends the geographical Langhe area in Piemonte.

It was established to prevent quality wines (that did not meet existing DOC requirements) to be categorized as table wine. The DOC also defines a number of French grapes.

These "Super Piemonteses" are a close parallel to the "Super Toscans" in Toscana.

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Langhe DOC Red Wines

DOC	Description
Rosso	Any mix of the grapes below
Barbera	Min 85% Barbera
Cabernet Sauvignon	Min 85% Cabernet Sauvignon
Dolcetto	Min 85% Dolcetto
Freisa	Min 85% Freisa
Merlot	Min 85% Merlot
Nebbiolo	Min 85% Nebbiolo
Pinot Nero	Min 85% Pinot Noir

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Langhe DOC White Wines

DOC	Description
Bianco	Any mix of the grapes below
Arneis	Min 85% Arneis
Chardonnay	Min 85% Chardonnay
Favorita	Min 85% Favorita
Nascetta	Min 85% Nascetta
Riesling	Min 85% Riesling
Rossesse	Min 85% Rossesse
Sauvignon	Min 85% Sauvignon Blanc

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Langhe DOC Rosato

DOC	Description
Rosato	Min 60% Barbera, Dolcetto, and/or Nebbiolo

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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.

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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.