Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is one of Italy’s greatest red grape varieties, famous for Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont. It combines pale colour with remarkable perfume, acidity, tannin and ageing potential.

Classic aromas include sour cherry, raspberry, rose, violet, liquorice, tar, herbs and spice. The finest wines are structured and complex, with a balance of delicacy and power that makes Nebbiolo unmistakable.

What does Nebbiolo taste like?

Nebbiolo often shows red cherry, raspberry, dried rose, violet, orange peel, liquorice, anise, tar and earthy spice. The colour can be relatively light, but the structure is usually serious.

High acidity and firm tannins define the palate, especially in youth. With age, the texture becomes more refined and aromas move toward dried flowers, truffle, leather, tobacco and savoury complexity.

Where does Nebbiolo come from?

Nebbiolo is most closely associated with Piedmont in north-west Italy, especially Barolo and Barbaresco around Alba. It also appears in Roero, Gattinara, Ghemme, Valtellina and a few sites outside Italy.

The grape is demanding and highly sensitive to site, which is why its strongest identity remains in specific Italian regions. Calcareous marls, good exposure and long ripening are particularly important for top-quality wines.

Which Nebbiolo styles are there?

The most famous styles are long-lived, dry red wines from Barolo and Barbaresco, ranging from traditional, savoury and firm to more polished and fruit-forward interpretations.

Lighter Langhe Nebbiolo and regional styles can be more approachable when young. Rosé, sparkling or sweet styles are not the main identity of the grape, though niche examples may exist.


What does Nebbiolo pair with?

Nebbiolo is excellent with rich savoury dishes: braised beef, lamb, game, mushrooms, truffle pasta, risotto, aged hard cheese and slow-cooked ragù.

Its tannin and acidity need protein, fat or umami. Mature bottles can pair beautifully with porcini, duck, veal, roasted root vegetables and dishes where earthy flavours echo the wine’s complexity.

Buy Nebbiolo online

Nebbiolo is a wine for drinkers who appreciate perfume, structure and evolution in the glass. It can be demanding when young, but deeply rewarding with the right food or cellar time.

Explore our Nebbiolo wines for classic Piedmont elegance, firm tannins, lifted aromatics and some of Italy’s most distinctive red wine character.




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