Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo – often described as “tar & roses”, is the wine of Barolo and Barbaresco.

Nebbiolo, a black-skinned grape variety is found primarily in Northern Italy in the Piemonte region, where it has been grown since the 13^th century.

The Langhe DOC encompasses 54 communes in Langhe and Roero.  This largest appellation in terms of area that it encompasses within the Cornsorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani.

Nebbiolo is the oldest indigenous red grape in the Piemonte.  The name comes from “nebbia” the word for fog or mist in Italian.  Perhaps the name comes from Nebbiolo’s late harvest time in late October when it is picked in early morning autumn fogs.  Perhaps it is for the velvety look of the thick bloom on the grapes that makes them appear “misty”.  Perhaps it refers to “noble”, the reason for the name is up for debate.

The first mention of this variety comes in 1266 when a record of a wine called “Nibiol” is made.

This grape is the first to bud in April and the last to harvest in late October.  It tends to be finicky, needing constant and elaborate attention. It prefers calcareous marl soils, doesn’t like quick temperature changes, and to ripen its tannins needs south or south-west facing slopes, that are at just the right altitude to keep the risk of spring frosts the lowest.  On top of that, it is susceptible to viruses.

Often called the “Queen of red grapes” this one can be a Diva!

It goes by many names, from the regional names of Barolo and Barbaresco to Spanna in the Novara and Vercelli hills.  In Carema on the border to Valle d’Aosta, it is called Picutener, and in Valtellina, in Lombardy, they call it Chiavennasca.

It can be found outside of Italy, in Oregon, Washington State, California, Australia, and South America.  We recently enjoyed a Nebbiolo from Australia’s Orange wine region in New South Wales.