Nebbiolo Wine Guide

Do you enjoy a good Nebbiolo? How about a Barbaresco or Barolo? They are the same grape! ⁠I love Italian wine, and Nebbiolo is one of those varieties that I can always get behind. Nebbiolo is renowned for being grown in the Piedmont region in Italy but is making waves across the new world of wine for its big and bold flavours with the colour of a Pinot Noir. Looks can be deceiving and delicious with this Italian variety which may have a delicate smell but packs a punch in flavour and texture with robust tannin and high acidity. In this Nebbiolo Wine Guide, we cover everything you need to know about this intriguing wine.

Spotlight on Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is much like Pinot Noir and so can be hard to grow as it flowers early, ripens late and can struggle to get enough ripeness. But winemakers are rewarded for their effort with this “terroir-expressive” grape, meaning it takes on the characteristics of where the grape is grown. As a result, its flavour profile will be different depending on where it is grown.

Nebbiolo is a full-bodied red wine with high acidity and tannin, making it perfect for cellaring. With flavours of cherry, rose, leather and anise, this wine is great with food and pairs with hearty dishes perfectly.

Origin of Nebbiolo

It wouldn’t be a Nebbiolo Wine Guide without diving into the history. Nebbiolo originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy and is referenced as far back as the 13th Century. The name is said to come from the Italian word for fog, nebbia, thanks to the dense fog that blankets the vineyards in this area. Nebbiolo was held in such high regard that any man who chopped down a Nebbiolo vine would have his right hand cut off as payment.

Nebbiolo is susceptible to viral infections and mutations, and also is usually grown on slopes with direct sunlight and little wind. As a result, only about 8% of the vineyards in Piedmont grow Nebbiolo. But more of this grape is grown here than anywhere else in the world.

Flavour profile of Nebbiolo

So what can you expect in terms of flavour? Nebbiolo produces wine that can be deceiving to the eye and nose. It has a light colour in the glass and floral and light red fruit aromas. But when you taste the wine you experience leathery, gripping high tannin along with fruity flavours of cherry and raspberry, along with anise and rose. In cooler years, it may not ripen enough and so will get more herbaceous and mineral notes.

The level of tannins in Nebbiolo usually means that having some age on the wine helps to balance out these bold flavours. As the wine develops you get notes of prunes, truffle and leather along with a softening on tannin.

Do you like Sangiovese or Pinot Noir? These wines have a lot in common with Nebbiolo, so if you are a fan, you should give Nebbiolo a try!

Where you’ll find Nebbiolo and what to look for

If you are looking for the most famous Nebbiolo in the world, you can’t go past Barolo and Barbaresco. These areas are high above the fog and produce wines with bold fruit flavours, high tannin and a fuller body. These wines can command high prices and are some of the most famous wines produced in Italy. There are distinct differences between the two:

• Barbaresco DOCG: The smaller region with fewer regulations. this has two classifications – a “normale” Barbaresco has 26 months aging with 9 months in oak, and Barbaresco Riserva DOCG has 50 months aging including 9 months in oak. These wines can age 5-10 years.
• Barolo DOCG: This region is nearly three times the size of Barbaresco. Within Barolo DOCG there are two classifications – a “normale” Barolo is aged for 38 months with 18 months in oak, and Barolo Riserva DOCG which has 62 months aging including 18 months in oak. These wines can be cellared for up to 20 years.

Despite the popularity of the Italian Nebbiolo, there is plenty to discover in the new world too. California and Mexico both are attempting to grow Nebbiolo and are producing less tannic styles. However, in Australia, this grape thrives in our sunshine. Most successfully, Mornington Peninsula and the King Valley have some great Nebbiolo, as well as Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the Clare Valley.

What to pair with Nebbiolo

It wouldn’t be a Nebbiolo Wine Guide without thinking about the food. Nebbiolo is a fantastic food wine but you have to keep in mind getting it balanced. With such a heavy tannin, you should pair Nebbiolo with foods that have fat, butter or olive oil. Lean meats and dishes are not Nebbiolo’s friend! The wine’s high acidity also lends itself to higher acid foods and also spiced foods such as Chinese dishes or spice-driven Asian cuisine.

However, you can’t go wrong in pairing Nebbiolo with rustic Italian food. Rich meat dishes, cheesy pasta and creamy risottos are all great pairings for this bold wine.

Summary: Nebbiolo Wine Guide

Nebbiolo is a wine that epitomises that looks can be deceiving. With its light colour yet bold flavours, this highly tannic and acidic Italian wine is incredible when paired with food. Whether you are looking for a traditional Nebbiolo from Piedmont and the Barolo and Barbaresco regions or wanting to try some from the new world, expect to be surprised by what you find in the glass! I hope this Nebbiolo Wine Guide has helped you learn more about this magical grape.