Nebbiolo
The Nebbiolo grape is virtually exclusive to the Piedmont region of north-west Italy. Although it is grown elsewhere, such as Argentina, Australia, California, New Zealand, South America and South Africa, no region outside Italy has shown much potential for high quality wine production from this grape.
This grape is responsible for several of Italy's - and the world's - finest red wines. The red wines of Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco) are regarded as some of the greatest wines in the world.
Wines made from Nebbiolo are typically dark, tannic, tart, and alcoholic. If drunk too young, Nebbiolo can be fiercely aggressive, as it takes a few years for the high levels of tannin and acid to retreat and release the incredible flavours of tar and roses, backed up by chocolate, cherries, raisins, violets, black liquorice, tobacco and herbs.
In the past, the best of these wines, like many Cabernet Sauvignons, were too tannic to drink in their youth and required a long period of mellowing. However, more Nebbiolo-based wines are being made to be enjoyable in their youth, and modern styles mature in five years rather than the traditional 20.
Flavours and Bouquet:
Tar, cherry, rose petals, truffles, liquorice, violets and smoke.
Main Growing Regions:
Piedmont (Italy)
Nebbiolo and Food
Despite their powerful flavours, Barolo and other Nebbiolo-based Italian wines need to be served with food because they are quite acidic. With their rich, chewy, deep and long-lasting flavours, they are always at their best with sturdy food. They are a natural match with rich, earthy dishes such as game and red meat with mushrooms, as well as dry, aged cheeses that may be too strong or distinctive for other wines.
Trying it Out
If you want an affordable way to get to know Nebbiolo, try an entry-level Barolo or a Nebbiolo d'Alba. Unfortunately, entry level for these wines is approximately £10, but if you see one of these wines it may be a bargain, even if it is a little out of your normal price range. Or you could try one of the cheaper wines from outside of Italy, like Australia's Trentham Estate Nebbiolo, a rich, fruit wine, which you should be able to find for under a tenner.
Nebbiolo is named from the Italian word for "fog", in reference to either the frosted bloom that covers its riper grapes, or for the dense fogs so prevalent in the vineyards of Piedmont.
