Red Wine

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo, pronounced NEH-bee-oh-low, is such a unique variety. The name is derived from the Italian word Nebbia meaning fog.

Two theories for the name exist. The first that it refers to the fog that the vineyards of the Langhe are often immersed in. Second that the natural bloom that covers the grapes gives them a foggy appearance. Given the latter applies to most red grapes I prefer the former! There are 4 main clones of which Nebbiolo Lampia dominates over Nebbiolo Michet, Rosé (now proven to be a different variety), and, Bolla.

Where is it grown?

Southern central and north Piemonte. The two big guns here are Barolo and Barbaresco. It is grown throughout the Langhe including the Roero, Asti, Carema, Biella, Novara and Vercelli. In Alto Piedmonte, it is known as Spanna, and, is often blended with Croatina and Vespolina. We have seen Giacomo Conterno buy Nervi in the Commune of Gattinara to produce wines in the region. It is also grown in the lower parts of the Valle d’Aosta where it is known as Picotendroi, and, Valtellina in Lombardy where it is called Chiavennasca among others.

What does it taste like?

The ultimate case of not judging a book by its cover, Nebbiolo, at first appears pale in colour, old wines can have the appearance of rusty tap water.

Then you smell it! The aroma of most red wines is dominated by fruit characters. In contrast, Nebbiolo’s aroma is typically a mix of complex secondary aromas, earthy, tarry, spice, rose, citrus peel, woody herbs like rosemary, liquorice, phenol, dark chocolate, tobacco, truffles, leather, and, dark cherry fruit, often more evident on the palate. You’ll see this difference immediately by comparing it two the other two main Piedmontese varieties Barbera and Dolcetto.

Good Nebbiolo has a core of fruit running the length of your tongue, along with layers of those same secondary characters. Nebbiolo’s grape tannins give it a distinct texture, that for those who have not tried it before can seem hard, and, unyielding. Look for the quality and depth of tannin.

Achieving well balance tannin, alcohol, and, acidity makes for great Nebbiolo.

More than most other Italian wines, Nebbiolo, demands food to be at its best. A little fat and salt, enhance the texture and bring out the flavours.

Check out all the articles in the Wine Bites Mag exploring Nebbiolo.

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Direct from Sordo's Cellars!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Perno’ 2010

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

The bold Cru's of Monforte demand a little. That's sorted so it's time to hook in! The bold Cru's of Monforte demand a little. I've sorted that for you so it's time to hook in! 'Intense and full of youthful energy, it delivers succulent black cherry and black raspberry sensations accented with notes of black pepper, new leather, cinnamon, clove and Mediterranean herbs. The vibrant palate is supported by a tannic backbone and lively acidity that promise serious cellaring potential. Drink 2020�

$159

$152ea in any 3+

$145ea in any 6+

Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Basarin’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

As with the 2016, Sottimano's 2019 Basarin is a cracker. Finely balanced with the juicy acid that sits across Sottimano's 2019's. There's more immediate generosity compared with the Fausoni at this early stage. Excellent depth and length with fine long tannins. As with the 2016 this has to be one of the best handling of a tiny proportion of new oak in Barbaresco that you'll find. The is great drinking with beautiful shape. The fruit again shining through with an intoxicating set of aromas and f

$159

$152ea in any 3+

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Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Fausoni’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Neive, Italy

The Cru's of the Commune of Nieve in Barbaresco in general have an elegance, a fine feel to them. Fausoni fits that bill. The 2019 is defined with an excellent acid tannin complex at 14% Alcohol. With a little air time and coaxing the perfume comes, the fruit builds and the balance refines. Full of energy and life, red fruits, slate, earthiness, a little tar, leather, orange citrus and beyond are at play. Fine, dusty tannins add a nice level of grip to match the depth and length of fruit. This w

$159

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Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Pajorè’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Treiso, Italy

From one of the famed Cru's of the Commune of Treiso, Barbaresco. A classic, superb fruit of depth and considerable length here, backed by long tannins of excellent mouthfeel. Loads going on with darker fruits and an array of complexing earthy, savoury notes, spices and blood orange adding layer after layers of subtle complexity. Plenty in the tank here too. Classic Barbaresco. Wait 5 years before trying.

$159

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Poderi Colla Barolo Bussia ‘Dardi Le Rose’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Bussia, Italy

The Perfect Follow-Up to Colla's 2016 Rocaglie! “The 2016 Barolo Bussia Dardi Le Rose is a wine of total finesse. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint and spice give the 2016 captivating inner perfume to match its translucent, mid-weight personality. Pliant, exquisitely layered and so incredibly inviting, the 2016 is going to be tempting early. It is a fabulous wine in every way.” Antonio Galloni

$160

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MUSEUM RELEASE

Figli Luigi Oddero Barolo 2013

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Luigi Oddero's 2013 Vigna Rionda is amongst the best Barolos I've devoured playing right at the Burgundian end of the Barolo spectrum. Having drunk 2004, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Barolos and Nebbiolos from the estate there's a consistency and excellence through the wines and the years. Maker! Maker! Maker! Dante Scaglione, still consulting to Bruno Giacosa, was in charge of making in 2013, joined shortly after by Francesco Versio. Both have incredible touch and the abi

$160

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Giovanni Rosso Barolo ‘Serra’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Italy

Owned by the Rosso family since 1946, it was replanted in three phases: 1984, 1996 and 2003. La Serra is located about 1km south of the village of Serralunga in the upper part of the Serralunga commune. Those who have tried even the Langhe Neb will have quickly seen a wine from a maker with an understanding of harmony, restraint and purity.

$163

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Giovanni Rosso Barolo ‘Cerretta’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Italy

Owned by the Rosso family since 1920, the plot was partly replanted in 1984 and 2000. Situated about 2 miles (3km) to the north of Serralunga village, Cerretta lies close to the hamlet of Baudana and envelops that of Cerretta. The fruit for this Cru wine comes from the best parcel which is shaped like an amphitheatre facing south-east. This part of the vineyard provides a particularly good micro-climate for Nebbiolo since it is protected from stronger winds by the copse at the bottom of the s

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The Super Stars!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2013

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

"Very serious and brooding nose, with rusty iron and fresh blood. Super-layered palate with depth and great presence. Palate is pretty and delicate, yet also very serious with a deep core of darker fruit, rusty iron and some fresh leather. Great length with lovely lingering tannins." Peter Godden, Neb Guru. Fabulous, both in itself and as a contrast to Villero. Where Villero is delicate and persistent, all finesse, Rocche is much more forceful with a similar range of characters. Everything is d

$165

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The Bold!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Perno’ 2013

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Bigger than most other wines, with more grunt in all respects. Complex. Chewy and very full palate with a wall of tannins. Meaty flavours with some ironstone. Old-school. Peter Godden, Neb Guru This is all Monforte, with giveaway blue fruits, violet, cherry liqueur and some mint. Firm, taut and fleshy, this is typical of this part of Perno, the Cerretta parcel, immediately adjoining Conterno-Fantino’s, with which it shares a similar darker ‘blue’ style. Tannins seem very ripe this year�

$165

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The Playful!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2013

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Ravera = generosity with crunchy fruit and playful front mid-palate tannin, that Sordo élévage, so much fun! ‘Ravishing red’ as usual, a wave of roses and red cherry. Quite lush, but holds its shape as all that red rolls to the pinpoint, tingling finish. It’s no wonder Ravera has risen so much in people’s estimation over recent years. Serious Barolo of a distinct style. Big and dense in colour, and all other respects. Big and chewy in mouth, yet fine line and varietal shape, with rich

$165

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Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Basarin’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Neive, Italy

Pair this up with the Currá and have a little Neb-Festa! Having two wines side by side from adjacent vineyards is always fun. Inevitably it's a demonstration in just how much varriation there is between vineyards with very short distances between them. They house style is evident. Basarin has a more elegant feel to it over the richer Currá, though it is still has a bit of weight to it. Normally, I am not an advocate of new oak in Barolo or Barbaresco. Here there is just a lick here from 10% ne

$165

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Barale Barolo ‘Castellero’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Barolo, Italy

A Divine Expression! This builds nicely in the glass, as a young wine, and has a presence and length about it. A full mid-palate carries through with excellent persistence. The energy of 2018 is present with fine acid and a complex set of intriguing flavours, a background resinous note over savoury, truffled fruit that has been beautifully developed draws you in. There’s some clever thinking in the making here.

$166

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Barale Barolo ‘Bussia’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Bussia, Italy

Oh so pretty! This is very well played. Bussia is right in the north of Monforte, which as a whole was very poorly defined during the MGA classification. It tends to produce wines of more elegance than many of the Crus further south in Monforte. Barale’s 2018s have been beautifully composed. The Bussia tannins are fine and restrained. The development and oxidative handling demands quality fruit and it has that with a solid core of red fruits layered in with savoury, earthy notes. I’m enjoyin

$166

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Superb! Bravi Francesco!🍷

Francesco Versio Barbaresco 2019

Nebbiolo | Neive, Barbaresco

The 'Side Project' of ex-Bruno Giacosa's winemaker Francesco Versio this is a stunner! The Francesco Versio 2019 Barbaresco is delicate and fine, almost fragile, with iris root, rusty nail, cassis and licorice root. The wine is carefully balanced to show the intensity of the grape, yet its aromatic profile is carefully measured and contained overall. This is an exciting wine with impeccable winemaking. Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 95 Points A Neive village blend of San Cristoforo, Curr

$166

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A Masterpiece!

Figli Luigi Oddero Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

A blend of fruit from 30% the plush La Morra Rive, 30% the flowing tannins of Castiglione Falletto’s Scarrone, & 40% structural acid-driven Serralunga vineayrds of Baudana & Broglio. Wonderfully fine tannins and core of fruit. A beautiful core of fruit, long fine excellent transparency. Delicate and beautiful. Earthy, truffled, an underlayer of perfume. Tasting the 2020 Langhes, 2019 Barbaresco Rombone, 2019 Barolo and the singular 2019 Rocche Rivera there is a thread of sophistica

$166

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$152ea in any 6+