Nebbiolo is the noble grape behind Barolo, the king of Italian wine. Its power is a surprise given its pale color, and its aromas are full of grace. Here is a friendly guide to its character and how to enjoy it.
What is Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the signature dark grape of Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. Its name comes from nebbia, meaning fog, after the mist that wraps the vineyards at harvest. It takes the lead in great wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, and is one of Italy's most prestigious grapes.
Flavor profile
The color is pale ruby, yet the flavor is remarkably powerful. 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.
Food pairings
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.
A note on serving
Serve around 16 to 18C in a larger glass. When young, decanting (pouring it into another vessel to let it breathe) softens and opens the aromas.
A wine for this topic
From the Serralunga (Piedmont) producer Alessandro Rivetto, the Langhe Nebbiolo. An easy way to enjoy the character of Nebbiolo. A great place to start.
Curious about Barolo at the summit? See What Is Barolo? too.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!