Nebbiolo
A noble variety from Piedmont, Italy. Known as the 'King of Italian Wine' as the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco. Despite its pale color, it has strong tannins and acidity, developing complex aromas with long aging.
Piedmont, meaning 'foot of the mountains,' is home to Barolo and Barbaresco, known as the Kings of Italian wine. In hills protected by the Alps, great wines capable of long aging are produced from the Nebbiolo grape. Also world-famous for white truffles, this is a region where gastronomy and wine culture are inseparable.
Climate / Soil
- Climate
- Continental climate
- Soil
- 石灰質泥灰岩, Sandstone, Clay
Appellations
- Barolo
- Barbaresco
- Langhe
- Roero
- Gavi
History
Winemaking has been practiced since ancient Roman times, and modern winemaking developed under the patronage of the House of Savoy in the 19th century. Since the 1980s, young producers known as the 'Barolo Boys' brought innovation and established worldwide recognition.
Sommelier Note
Barolo is called the 'King of wines, wine of Kings' for its majesty. While often closed in youth, it reveals its true character after 10 or more years of aging. For beginners, I recommend starting with the more elegant Barbaresco.
Key Varieties
Barbera
Piedmont's most widely planted black grape. Soft tannins and very high acidity give the unusual combination of deep colour and easy drinking. If Nebbiolo is for special occasions, Barbera is the wine of the everyday table.
Dolcetto
One of Piedmont's three principal black grapes. The name means "little sweet one", a reference to the sugar in the fruit rather than the wine, which is dry. Modest acidity meets firmer tannin, with a bitter-almond note on the finish.