Nebbiolo

Italian delicacy

The Italian red wine grape family “Nebbiolo” has its name acquired from “nebbia” in Italian, meaning fog. The reason for this is due to the fog-like veil texture that the grape develops on itself during the maturity period. This grape variety originates from the Piedmont region, although it is available in several other countries worldwide during the present day. Nebbiolo consists of the following members:

• Freisa
• Viognier

There are multiple facts and figures about Nebbiolo that can be learned by wine lovers. As mentioned above, this grape variety is available in regions such as Barolo, United States, Australia, and more.

Nebbiolo (Foggy Grape)

It can prove to be quite difficult to grow and harvest Nebbiolo as this variety of grape is quite picky. It flowers early and ripens late, and can take a long time to ripen as well. To grow smoothly and to harvest the best-quality wines, Nebbiolo requires soil that has good drainage, a relatively cooler environment, and a long period for growing.

Nebbiolo prefers to grow in sandier soils and the hillside to grow on as well. The grape itself is quite strong and can fight off mold, and other pests dealt with growing wine grapes.

Nebbiolo Taste Profile

Nebbiolo wine is extremely bold and rich in flavor. It is adored by most wine lovers as its colors and flavors are quite distinct and easily recognizable. A few qualities of the Nebbiolo wine have been listed below:

Colour

The color of Nebbiolo is pale garnet since it is a thin-skinned grape.

Flavors & Aromas

Flavors of Nebbiolo wary based on the region it was produced in. When grown in ideal conditions, the wine is quite dark and tart in flavor. Nebbiolo has a light, red fruit aromas that are contrasting to its flavors. The main flavors of this wine are rose, cherry, leather, clay pot, and anise.

Nebbiolo also feels fairly chewy in your mouth and has floral and earthy hints. A few aromas that may arise from this wine are tar, violets, and autumn undergrowth.

Spice

The wine has distinct smoky tones such as tar and licorice.

Taste

The wine is quite dry and has high tannins.

Wine Structure

Nebbiolo’s wine structure reveals medium-high acidity, dry sensation, abv of 13.5-15%, high tannins, and a medium-full body.

Other properties

Oak: Slovenian oak barrels. New oak barrels may cause hints of vanilla.

Age ability: Nebbiolo is fantastic for aging and can be aged for more than 10 years.

Other flavors: truffles, prunes, tobacco, wild herbs

Serving temp: Cold (55-60 °F | 12-15 °C)

Taste profile

The typical Nebbiolo is highly acidic, has high tannins, a medium-full body, and rose, cherry, and leather notes.

Common regions to find Nebbiolo

• California – Central Coast
• Mexico – Guadalupe Valley
• Victoria State of Australia
• United States

Summary

The Nebbiolo wine is one of the oldest wine varieties and one of the most popular ones worldwide too. Its full body and unique taste flavor is enjoyed by many and makes it stand out.

This full-bodied wine can be paired with fatty and buttery dishes, such as spicy Asian cuisine. Butternut ravioli, steak, tomato-based dishes, as well as fried sausages and roasted duck can work well with Nebbiolo.