What Is Nebbiolo? The Noble Grape Behind Barolo, the King of Italian Wine

Nebbiolo is the noble red-wine grape of Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. It is the grape behind Barolo, the king of Italian wine, and Barbaresco. Its name means fog, and its surprising power and graceful aromas of rose and tar belie its pale color.

What does Nebbiolo taste like?

Complex aromas of rose, violet, dried cherry, leather, and tar. High acidity and firm tannins build the structure, and it opens with grace through aging.

What food pairs with Nebbiolo?

It pairs well with roast and braised red meat, mushroom and truffle dishes, and aged hard cheese. On the Japanese table, it suits sukiyaki and richly flavored meat dishes.

How are Nebbiolo and Barolo related?

Barolo is a famous wine made from 100 percent Nebbiolo. Remember Nebbiolo as the grape behind Barolo. For an easier introduction to the grape, a Langhe Nebbiolo is the entry point.

Barolo Chinato, the Langhe's after-dinner ritual

Here is a little Piedmontese secret. The Langhe, the home of Barolo, also makes an after-dinner wine built on that very Barolo (that is, Nebbiolo): Barolo Chinato. In the 1890s, Giuseppe Cappellano, a pharmacist in Serralunga d'Alba, created it by steeping cinchona bark (the medicinal bark once used to bring down fevers) together with herbs and spices in the red wine. It began as a medicinal tonic to settle the stomach, and locals still close a meal by slowly nursing a small glass of it.

My own suggestion, from Federico: pair it with bitter dark chocolate. Piedmont is also the heartland of gianduia, the hazelnut and chocolate confection, and the bittersweet chocolate against the sweet, spiced, faintly bitter Chinato is a match made in heaven. It is still almost unknown in Japan, but it lets you savor the depth of Nebbiolo one last time, a closing glass that belongs to the Langhe.

SWIRL's recommended Nebbiolo

From the Serralunga (Piedmont) producer Rivetto, the Langhe Nebbiolo, an easy way to enjoy the character of the grape. See Barolo at the summit too.

FAQ

Q. Is Nebbiolo for beginners?
A. Its tannins and acidity are firm, so a lighter Langhe Nebbiolo is the best starting point.

Q. Is it the same as Barolo?
A. Barolo is a wine name made from Nebbiolo; Nebbiolo is the grape.

Q. Serving temperature?
A. 16 to 18C. When young, decanting softens and opens the aromas.