Nebbiolo Wine (grapes) in 30 seconds
- Nebbiolo makes fine, dry red and rosé wines in northern Italy.
- Most Nebbiolo grows in the northwest region of Piemonte. Smaller quantities are cultivated in Lombardy.
- While it appears in several Piemonte appellations, Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG are the most famous.
- Nebbiolo is a light ruby hue.
- Wines display sour cherry, herbs, dried flowers, truffle, leather, and tar.
- They are full-bodied and complex with high acidity and tannins.
- Nebbiolo appears across around 30 DOCs and DOCGS.
- Alcohol level ranges from 12.5% to 14.5%.
What is Nebbiolo wine?
Arguably Italy’s most prestigious grape, Nebbiolo produces premium red wines across the Piemonte region, notably in Barolo and Barbaresco. It could be said that, in terms of finesse and prestige, Nebbiolo is to Piemonte and Italy, what Pinot Noir is to Burgundy.
Learn about Nebbiolo
This iconic cultivar is an early budder and late ripener. As such, it requires consistent sunshine to reach optimal ripeness in time for harvest.
There are three main types of Nebbiolo: Lampia (considered the original, authentic Nebbiolo), Michet (a premium version of Lampia), and Rosé (related to Lampia but more aromatic and a lighter color).
A thick-skinned grape packed with tannins, Nebbiolo produces surprisingly lightly-colored wines. It primarily grows in Piemonte where its most prestigious appellations are Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG. Wines from these appellations are at the higher end of the price scale but there are entry-level expressions of Nebbiolo with plenty to offer.
Among winemakers and wine lovers, Nebbiolo has a similar status as the iconic Burgundian grape, Pinot Noir. Nebbiolo doesn’t migrate well (which is why most is found in its native Piemonte) and, like Pinot Noir, it’s difficult to grow. In spite of this, inspired and ambitious vintners in Australia and the US have boldly tried their hands at producing wines from this grape.
In total, Nebbiolo appears in around 30 Italian appellations.
What does a Nebbiolo taste like?
Nebbiolo makes light ruby wines that turn to garnet when more mature. This cultivar’s signature aromas and flavors are tart red cherry, dried flowers, herbs, truffles, leather, and tar. Nebbiolo produces wines with high acidity and tannin levels. Wines are full-bodied and complex.
Nebbiolo is known for being terroir-expressive (another characteristic it shares with Pinot Noir).
What are some Nebbiolo wines?
This variety produces dry red and rosé wines. In Langhe DOC in Piemonte, there are also rare sweeter styles
The best food & flavours to pair with Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is aromatic with bright red cherry, a full-body, high acidity, and a tannic profile. Its acidity makes it ideal for fatty dishes or recipes featuring tomatoes. Its tannins mean it pairs well with protein-rich food like meats and cheeses. It also has high alcohol. The robust and complex structure of Nebbiolo wines means you need to pair them with equally powerful dishes. The following suggestions provide an excellent starting point:
Nebbiolo Food Pairing
- Appetizers: Charcuterie; herby bread-coated mushrooms; tomato bruschetta; black olives; roasted vegetables; fondue; rice and mushroom stuffed peppers;
- Entrées: Creamy, cheesy truffle risotto; beef and vegetable stew; beef and mushroom pie; liver and kidney recipes; gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce; roast duck; veal Ossobuco with polenta; rib-eye steak; Eggplant Parmesan; Steak; herb-crusted lamb; a range of game dishes; blue cheese hamburger; Spaghetti.
- Dessert: Dark chocolate desserts like mousse and rich cake.
- Cheese: Provolone; Gorgonzola; Castelmagno; Aged Pecorino; Parmesan; Gorgonzola, Cheddar; Gouda.
Which denominations make wine only from Nebbiolo?
- The two most famous appellations for Nebbiolo are Barbaresco DOCG and Barolo DOCG.
- However, across Piemonte, there are numerous DOCs and DOCGs where fine examples (and often more budget-friendly) of Nebbiolo are made. These include Alba DOC, Langhe DOC, Roero DOCG, and Monferrato DOC.
- In Lombardy, Sforzato di Valtellina (Sfursat di Valtellina) DOCG is a notable area for elegant structured Nebbiolo.
Where Nebbiolo is born?
Nebbiolo is an old cultivar that first appeared in wine records in the 1200s. Its name is said to come from the local word for “fog” because of the misty bloom on its skin. Some researchers think the name is connected to the word for “noble”, reflecting Nebbiolo’s premium status.
A 2004 DNA study showed that Nebbiolo is related to both Freisa, another Piemonte variety, and Viognier from Rhône Valley in France.
How is Nebbiolo made?
In Piemonte, there are only DOCs and DOCGs and their correspondingly stringent production regulations.
One of the most important of Nebbiolo’s features that winemakers have to manage in the winery is its powerful tannic structure. In order to temper the grape’s naturally harsh tannins, vintners use gentle extraction methods. The result is maturation time in oak is shorter (formerly, high tannins necessitated this went on for several years). For example Barolo ages for three years half of which is in oak while Barbaresco matures for two years, nine months of which are in oak.
Rosé styles of Nebbiolo can be made through maceration and/ or pressing. The intensity depends on the color and flavor concentration the winemaker is aiming for.
What kind of wine is similar to Nebbiolo?
Fun facts
- Nebbiolo is also known Chiavennasca, Picotener, Prunent, and Spanna.
- The name Nebbiolo derives from the local word for “fog” because of the grape’s cloudy skin.
- Its nickname is “King of Grapes”.
- As well as premium Barolo and Barbaresco, in other parts of Piemonte Nebbiolo makes fine, more wallet-friendly reds!
