
Nebbiolo
Learn about Nebbiolo — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Named for the ubiquitous autumnal fog (called nebbia in Italian), Nebbiolo is responsible for some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world and is the star variety of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Grown as well as in the neighboring Valle d’Aosta and Valtellina, it reaches its highest potential in the Piemontese villages of Barolo and Barbaresco. This finicky grape needs a very particular soil type and climate in order to thrive. Outside of Italy, growers are still very much in the experimentation stage but some success has been achieved in parts of California. Tiny amounts are produced in Washington, Virginia, Mexico and Australia.
Tasting Notes for Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is a dry red wine with velveteen tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a captivating perfume. Common characteristcs of a well-made Nebbiolo can include roses, violets, licorice, sandalwood, spicebox, smoke, potpourri, black plum, red cherry and orange peel. Light brick in color, Nebbiolo is a more powerful wine than one might expect, and its firm tannins typically need time to mellow.
Perfect Food Pairings for Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo’s love affair with food starts in Piedmont, which is home to the Slow Food movement and some of Italy’s best cuisine. The region is famous for its white truffles, wild boar ragu and tajarin (a regional pasta), all perfect companions to Nebbiolo.
Sommelier Secrets for Nebbiolo
If you can’t afford to drink Barolo and Barbaresco every night, try the more wallet-friendly, earlier-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d'Alba. Also search out the fine offerings of the nearby Roero region. North of the Langhe and Roero, find earthy and rustic versions of the variety (known here as “Spanna”) in Ghemme and Gattinara.
- Wine Spectator20
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate17
- Vinous1
- Collectible17
- Boutique3
- Older Vintages2
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Gaja Barbaresco 2003Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Carobric 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Pio Cesare Barolo 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2003Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Ceretto Bricco Asili Barbaresco 2003Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Gaja Costa Russi 2003Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Ceretto Brunate Barolo 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Gaja Conteisa 2003Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia Barolo 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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La Spinetta Barolo Campe 2003Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Gaja Sperss 2003Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Gaja Sori Tildin 2003Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS