Nebbiolo

Taste profile

Famed for its aromatics, Nebbiolo wines are pale-coloured and can often age for a long time thanks to the grape’s high acidity and tannins. With time, notes of molasses, fig and leather can develop.

This is one of those grapes that you can become addicted to and the phrase ‘Nebb-head’ can often be heard when tasting a range of them! Classic examples from the cool climate of Northern Italy have cranberry and cherry flavours, whereas warmer vineyards in Australia and the USA can also have fruitcake notes.

While there are some great examples coming out of the Adeliade Hills and Pyrenees in Australia, it’s really hard to look beyond the north of Italy where you’ll find Nebbiolo in its greatest guise as Barolo and Barbaresco as well as the more affordable Nebbiolo d’Alba and used in blends that are sometimes labelled Langhe Rosso.