Nebbiolo, Piedmont

Nebbiolo is one of the most ancient and noble grapes of the rich Italian ampelographic heritage. According to some, the name Nebbiolo derives from the fog that envelops the vineyards during the harvest. Nebbiolo produces red berried grapes and is native to Piedmont and in particular to the Langhe area, where it is able to express itself at very high levels in the appellations of Barbaresco and Barolo. Nebbiolo is also grown in the nearby region of Roero, in Valtellina with the name of Chiavennasca and in the small Sardinian enclave of Luras, where it was introduced by the Piedmontese in the 19th century. Also in the Piedmont area of Gattinara and Ghemme, near the Sesia river, Nebbiolo has found a territory of choice producing wines of great complexity and suitable for aging thanks to rare pedoclimatic conditions that combine excellent thermal excursions with alluvial and volcanic soils. .

Nebbiolo is an extremely territorial and demanding vine from a pedoclimatic point of view, so much so that it is grown almost nowhere else in the world outside its territory of origin. It has a late ripening, with harvest around mid-October and needs sunny, breezy exposures, but a cool climate with good temperature ranges. As for the soils, it prefers soils composed of clayey limestone marl, which enhance its natural elegance. With a vineyard area that in Italy amounts to almost 6000 hectares, it remains however the reference variety of Piedmont with the aforementioned Barolo and Barbaresco: two very different expressions of Nebbiolo that tell diversified production traditions based on aging techniques, duration and especially to the areas where it is cultivated, recognizable on the basis of the composition of the soil and exposure. Among these factors, the use of the wood chosen for aging has created, at least in the case of Barolo, different schools of thought and, in this specific case, has generated a rift between the supporters of more traditional methods of winemaking and the innovators who, according to the former, they would be guided by the adaptation of the product to the dominant taste in international markets. However, the expressive potential of Nebbiolo remains assured with respect to aging which, in addition to amplifying the aromatic range by giving very refined and pleasant tertiaries, manages to gain softness by smoothing a high acidity and a consistent tannic charge. In fact, Nebbiolo remains one of the few grape varieties capable of combining power and expressive finesse: the refined bouquet combines a dense tannic texture and high acidity, which always guarantee great balance and remarkable longevity.

Buy Nebbiolo

For those who know or closely attend the world of wine, buying a good bottle of Nebbiolo can be an almost daily experience. This is because with Nebbiolo we are dealing with a main grape variety and appellations that over time have earned the favors of experts thanks to their elegance and nobility. Loving Nebbiolo means joining a community of true connoisseurs who can choose between young and promising versions or decide not to settle for aging and truly expressive wines. On our site you will find a wide selection of wines from this vine and with a few clicks you can buy the bottle of Nebbiolo you wanted online, being guided by detailed cards and the advice of our sommeliers.

What are the characteristics of a pure Nebbiolo wine?

Nebbiolo has very recognizable characteristics on the basis of a strong tannic texture and a consistent acidity which also determines its great aging capacity. Ruby red in color often tending to garnet and of medium intensity, it has floral hints of rose, cherry, red fruits on the nose, while the evolution in wood gives hints of leather, tobacco dust, terracotta and leather, with some earthy and animal.

What are the best Nebbiolo food pairings?

Nebbiolo is perfect to be consumed with complex meats such as stews and stews, but it is also perfect in combination with game and mushroom-based first courses. Another interesting combination is with cheeses, even if for some the bitter hue that Nebbiolo can help to emphasize is not too pleasant.

Why does the best Nebbiolo come from Piedmont?

The pedoclimatic configuration of Piedmont has allowed the development of a long production tradition with respect to Nebbiolo which has also contributed to consecrate this region as the land of choice for a refined and elegant wine, made famous also by great historical figures. In particular, the Langhe, with very different geological conformations dating back to 7 million years ago, today retain sedimentary clay-limestone marls responsible for this particularity. The recent discovery of a volcano in the Gattinara area and the alluvial typicality of the soils of Ghemme represent further geological conformations suitable for this variety.

Piedmontese wine represents one of the cornerstones of Italian enology, grouping some of the most prestigious appellations especially in the field of red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. A land of winemaking tradition since ancient times, Piedmont produces great wines on its hills and on the Alpine and pre-Alpine belts. In these places, which differ thanks to the different geographical and climatic characteristics that characterize them, manual labor is predominant and low yields per hectare are pursued, to enhance the quality of the wines that come to life here.

From the refined and sumptuous reds to the round and fragrant whites, to the inviting and pleasant dessert wines, the varied wine heritage of this region makes it an area of extraordinary excellence, appreciated both nationally and internationally.

Piedmontese red wine

The Piedmontese red wine is mainly obtained from native varieties, which see Nebbiolo, father of the great reds such as Barolo and Barbaresco, but also present in less known but equally interesting reds such as Gattinara, Ghemme, Carema and Fara, as well as that of alternative and original bubbles. Among the reds we certainly cannot forget the Barbera, which finds full-bodied and structured red wines in the Alba area (it is said that "baroleggia"), in Asti wines of great longevity and in the Monferrato sparkling and pleasant reds, famous thanks to "La Monella "By Braida. Other very interesting and highly drinkable reds are Grignolino (the “anarchic” wine according to Veronelli), Dolcetto (with territorial variations, from Ovada to Alba passing through Dogliani) and Freisa. Finally, the Ruché del Monferrato, from a native grape saved from extinction, and the rare Verduno Pelaverga are worth trying. Also of historical importance is a last grape, Brachetto, which has always given rise to the sweet and irresistible Brachetto d'Acqui.

Piedmontese white wine

If the most famous Piedmontese white wine is undoubtedly Gavi, obtained from Cortese grapes, there are other equally interesting and particular wines. For example, we cannot fail to mention the Timorasso from the Tortona hills, also suitable for long aging, or the Roero Arneis, the only white in the Langa area. Also interesting are Moscato and Erbaluce di Caluso which give life to both sweet wines and dry white wines as well as sparkling wines. In Piedmont, however, there are also international white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, used in the precious classic Alta Langa DOCG method, and Riesling, which is able to give wines of great longevity.

What is the finest Piedmontese red wine?

The finest Piedmontese red wine is undoubtedly Barolo, also known as the king of wines and the wine of kings.

How many Piedmont DOC wines are there?

Piedmont has 41 DOC wines with controlled designations of origin and 18 DOCG wines.

How do you pair a robust Piedmontese red wine?

The perfect pairing with a robust Piedmontese red wine is undoubtedly the one with meats, both in the form of stew and roast, and as a sauce with pasta or ravioli.