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.

Showing 400 Delicious Wines!

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Cascina Fontana Barolo ‘Commune di Castiglione Falletto’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

This is an impressive beverage! There are things happening here that are very good. The textural elements: dusty, even long tannins, that are just a little bolder than the 2015 and will benefit from 3-5 years before you crack a bottle. The fading flowers are more prominent than in the classico and red fruit more dominant with excellent length and delicacy. It has wonderful development, layered complexity that you need not pick apart. Simply enjoy a wine full of personality. A consistent r

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Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Currá’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

My cup overfloweth! Barbaresco kicking it up a gear! My first taste of a Sottimano. WOW! This is stunning. Such a complete wine. It has everything and all the right places. A density and richness of dark fruit. Long, lingering and delicious. The richness is perfectly tempered by exceptional tannins of depth. This has been expertly macerated, the time on skins during ferment and just following the completion of the alcoholic fermentation is apparently around 40 days. That time has woven, truffles

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Barale Barolo ‘Monrobiolo di Bussia’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Italy, Barolo

A component that was previously blended into the Barolo del Barolo. A beautiful perfume lifts from the glass. An extra pop of perceived acidity makes for tannins with a playful edge to the mid-palate adding pleasure. Truffles, earthiness, darkness, with energy. Of the first three Barolos this will need more time to resolve. Serious gear. Winemaker’s hat on I can see why they separated. It will clearly give so much more with a few years in bottle. A presence yet sophistication of perfume a

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KO 96 AG 94

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Ovello’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is powerful, savory and intensely linear, in classico Ovello style, and yet it appears to have enough fruit behind its imposing tannins to develop well over the coming years. In this tasting, the Ovello feels pretty closed post bottling, but its inherent balance and qualities are there. Clean saline notes extend the finish in promising fashion. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points KO 96 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the P

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KO 98 AG 93

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Pajé’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is full of character. Strong mineral, savory and floral notes jump out of the glass, before veins of tannin make themselves felt on the palate. A powerful, young Barbaresco, the Pajè is going to need a number of years to come into its own. That said, all of its signatures are very much present. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 Points KO 98 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the PdB Riservas in 12 months expecting they will resolv

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KO 96 AG 92

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Pora’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a pretty tightly wound wine, certainly moreso than is typically the case for this Barbaresco, which is often much more engaging in the early going. Dried herbs, tobacco, cedar and earthiness lend notable savory nuance in this decidedly nervy, somber Pora. There's good fruit intensity and plenty of character that makes me want to revisit this in a few months' time. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 92 Points KO 96 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his in

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KO 98 AG 93

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Rio Sordo’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite deep in this vintage, with notable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is an especially powerful Rio Sordo that is still coming together. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all of the wine's energy is directed inwards. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 Points KO 98 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the PdB Riservas in 12 months expecting they

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KO 98 AG 93+

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Montefico’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is one of the most searingly tannic wines in the range. Readers will have to be patient with the 2019, as it is going to need time. As always, Montefico is a Barbaresco built on linear intensity more than size. In 2019, the qualities are quite accented. Time in the glass opens the bouquet nicely, but the 2019 remains quite closed. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93+ Points KO 98 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the PdB Riserva

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KO 97 AG 94

Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva ‘Rabajà’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is redolent of dark fruit, crushed rocks, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender all race across the palate, supported by bracing, young Rabajà tannins that make themselves felt. This mid-weight, powerhouse Barbaresco packs quite a punch. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points KO 97 *NOTE Galloni tasted in Sept 2023 noting his intent to look at the PdB Riservas in 12 months expecting they will resolve and shift up. KO tasted in Jan 2024 with 4 extra mon

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Cesare Bussolo Barolo ‘Fossati’ 2015

Nebbiolo | La Morra, Italy

There's a beautiful elegance and perfume to the scent & flavours, fruit weight builds on the palate while maintaining a sense of sophistication. Texturally the tannins are fine, building to have impact along the full length of the palate. Great effort from Cesare. There's a purity to the wine and energy about it. Looking forward to see it head into the next phase of its life!

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The Super Stars!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Villero’ 2015

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Incredible perfume, so much intrigue. Felt like I was drinking and exceptional Chambolle-Musigny. Line and length of tannin and acid. Such harmony, beautiful fruit. Layers of tannin and flavour, great complexity. I love this! The most ‘Burgundian’ of these 8 cru, shimmering and transparent, signalling the elegance and finesse to unfold. A beautiful and intriguing wine with those Castiglione complexities of cranberry, strawberry, cherry-skin, dried flowers and herbs. Tannins are beautifully b

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The Super Stars!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Villero’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

As tight as ... usual. Opens to quite pronounced pot-purri and some fresh-flower fragrance. Fabulously framed full palate with unevolved but full, textured, firm and forceful. Long. Seamless acid/tannin of Castiglione (and St Julien) Tight knit, this one. Wonderful. Crystal clear. Darker more broody than the 2015 which had a few more months off the boat when I first saw it. Fresh and vibrant / energetic. Bold, yet very good long, layered slatey tannins compared with the 2015. Wonderful texture h

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Level Up!

Oddero Barolo ‘Villero’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Dark and brooding give it time and watch it blossom! Take the Barolo add 3 more layers for aroma, flavour and tannin. Ramp up the sophistication of the mouthfeel and you're kinda close to where the Villero sits. Dark and brooding give it time and watch it blossom! Awesome side by side with Sordo's Villero, very different in style. Both fantastic wines, you can see the common thread through the two. The 2016 has incredible energy, line and length, the tannins are superb. This is a Neb-Heads d

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Paolo Conterno Barolo ‘Ginestra’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Monforte d'Alba, Italy

Paolo Conterno's 'Ginestra' is a demonstration of grace under pressure! Where the Commune of Monforte is can be known for massively structured wines, we have seen a number of makers producing beautiful, fine Barolo from the Commune. Ginestra is one of the greatest Cru's of Monforte. Paolo Conterno's is a demonstration of grace under pressure. Layered with earth, tea, a little hint of truffle, and a dash of flowers. It remains elegant, lining up fine tannins, with a deceptive core of fruit. Dr

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Vajra Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2009

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

The 2012 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is pure class. A decidedly sensual, inviting Bricco delle Viole, the 2012 fleshes out in the glass with an effortless, inviting personality that is impossible to resist. Deep red cherry and plum notes open up first, followed by the classic floral notes that are so typical of this site. In 2012, the Bricco delle Viole is quite forward and fruit-driven, with essentially none of the angular contours that are typical when the wine is young. All of that means the 20

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Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Gramolere’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

'The 2019 Barolo Gramolere (with 7,000 bottles made) shows a slightly sweeter and riper fruit profile. This wine comes from the village of Monforte d'Alba, which is known for more structured and powerful wines compared to Verduno (where this winery is based), which offers lighter, more floral wines instead. Gramolere shows dark fruit, plum and spice, but it also has a pretty mineral note of rust or iron. However, within this portfolio, this wine may well deliver the longest drinking window.' Dri

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