
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 Spectator41
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate40
- Wine Enthusiast18
- Wine & Spirits8
- James Suckling4
- Collectible40
- Boutique21
- Older Vintages14
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Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2005Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- W&S
- WE
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Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Renato Ratti Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (scuffed label) 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Vietti Barolo Brunate 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Perno Vigna Cappella di S. Stefano 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- W&S
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La Spinetta Barbaresco Gallina 2005Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2005Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Aldo Conterno Colonnello Barolo 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- JS
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Produttori del Barbaresco Moccagatta Riserva Barbaresco 2005Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Paje Riserva 2005Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
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Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Paolo Scavino Barolo Carobric 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Brovia Barolo Villero 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (scuffed label) 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- WS
-
Renato Ratti Conca Barolo 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
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Conterno Fantino Barolo Vigna del Gris 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Elvio Cogno Ravera Barolo 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia Cicala 2005Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Gaja Sperss 2005Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- RP