The Nebbiolo is one of the most well-known and appreciated grape varieties on our peninsula, famous for its dark berry and its adaptability to the production of high-quality aging wines.
The Nebbiolo grape takes its name, it seems, from the word “fog.” This association might be due to the copious bloom that adorns its clusters, or perhaps, more romantically, to the memory of the fog that envelops the vineyards in October when these precious grapes are harvested.
Nebbiolo: A Grape Variety of Character
Nebbiolo is one of the most complex among Italian grape varieties and also difficult to grow and vinify. It requires specific soil, a particular climate, and careful attention to produce high-quality wines.
Despite these challenges, Nebbiolo producers have managed to create wines that are celebrated worldwide for their complexity, depth, and longevity.
The wine produced from Nebbiolo stands out for its robust structure, its intense ruby-red color, and its marked tannicity. The best expressions of this grape variety are found in the Langhe, especially in the production areas of Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
Nebbiolo, indeed, is a wine that lends itself magnificently to aging: for Barbaresco, production rules stipulate a maturation period in barrels of at least 9 months, but almost all producers widely extend the timing.
Nebbiolo also manages to be an extremely versatile grape variety. Although known for its powerful and tannic wines, like Barolo and Barbaresco, it can also produce lighter and fruitier wines when grown in other regions or vinified in different ways.
This versatility makes Nebbiolo a fascinating grape variety to explore, with a wide range of styles and flavors to discover.
Nebbiolo Beyond Borders
Nebbiolo is not only a Piedmontese grape variety but is grown in many other regions and nations. Not only in Piedmont but also in other Italian regions, Nebbiolo finds fertile ground to express itself.
In the Aosta Valley, for example, it is known as Picotendre or Picotendro, while in Lombardy, specifically in Valtellina, it is called Chiavennasca. Sardinia has also welcomed this grape variety, where it is called Luras.
In all these regions, the cultivation of Nebbiolo has led to surprising results, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of this grape variety.
Culinary Pairings of Nebbiolo
The Nebbiolo is a wine that pairs splendidly with a variety of dishes. Thanks to its robust structure and decisive tannins, it pairs perfectly with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.
A classic pairing is with Barolo-braised beef, a rich and flavorful dish that highlights the wine’s notes of red fruit and spices. Similarly, a grilled beef fillet or a veal roast are excellent choices to accompany a glass of Nebbiolo.
As for cheeses, Nebbiolo pairs well with aged varieties such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, or Gorgonzola. These cheeses have an intense flavor that can balance the wine’s tannins.
Finally, if you prefer a vegetarian pairing, you can try Nebbiolo with mushroom-based dishes, like a porcini risotto or truffle pasta.
Nebbiolo: A Sensory Exploration
Savoring a glass of Nebbiolo is much more than tasting a wine: it’s a sensory adventure that takes you through the landscapes and traditions of Piedmont.
Vision
Nebbiolo stands out for its deep ruby-red color that, with age, turns into a fascinating garnet. Its clarity and brightness are a true pleasure for the eyes, a prelude to the delights that will follow.
Smell
Nebbiolo offers a complex and intriguing aromatic profile. Its aromas range from fruity notes of cherry and raspberry to floral scents of rose and violet. With aging, spicy notes of pepper, tobacco, and leather emerge, enriched by nuances of truffle, chocolate, and dried plum.
Taste
In the mouth, Nebbiolo reveals itself as a wine of great structure and persistence. Its vigorous tannins and lively acidity make it a wine of remarkable balance and longevity. The flavors evoke ripe red fruit, spices, and earthy notes, with a long and engaging finish that leaves the palate clean and eager for the next sip.
Touch
The tannin of Nebbiolo contributes significantly to the sensory experience. The tannins indeed give a sensation of astringency in the mouth, similar to what one feels when eating a still-green banana.
This sensation, combined with the richness and complexity of the wine, creates a unique tactile experience. Nebbiolo is a grape variety that deserves to be discovered, savored in all its expressions and varieties, to grasp its aromatic complexity.
Like the winemakers who care for it, shaped by the severity of the soil, it may appear harsh at first taste, but beneath this surface lies a heart of elegance and refinement.
If you are interested in learning more about Nebbiolo and tasting some of the best wines produced with this grape variety, we invite you to visit the website of the Enoteca di Piazza, where you can find a wide selection of high-quality wines; visit the site: https://enotecadipiazza.com/.
