Apr 2013
Nebbiolo - the foggy one
April, 2013 Filed in: Wine varieties
Nebbiolo is a red Italian grape variety that is predominately grown in the Piedmont area of northern Italy, just below the Alps. It is actually native to this region. The word Nebbiolo is derived from the Italian word nebbia which means fog. This is because in October when the grapes are harvested the area can be quiet foggy. The resulting wine from Nebbiolo grapes typically is lighter red in colour, but can take on an orange red appearance particularly on the rim of the wine. The wine is one of the highest tannin containing wines around. Because of the high tannic nature of this wine, commercial Nebbiolos can take years to mature and be drinkable.
Barolo and Barbaresco are two provinces in the Piedmont district of Italy that grow the Nebbiolo grape. Most commercial wines containing Nebbiolo are marketed with the name of the these provinces. A decent commercial Barolo will retail typically starting at $40/bottle, Barbaresco maybe slightly less. The folks of this region are particularly proud of their wines and grape orchards. In fact in the 15th century cutting down of a Nebbiolo vine was punishable by cutting off your right arm. Repeated offenses were subject to hanging.
Nebbiolo is described as big, strapping and redolent with aromas of tar and roses, with chocolate, licorice and rich, spicy fruit. It has a good amount of acids like most Italian wines. It is best paired with rich lamb and beef dishes, stews, any mushrooms or root vegetables.
In April, we are featuring a Selection Limited Edition Italian Nebbiolo with grape skins from the Ghiardello Vineyard in Reggio Emilia, Italy. We have a few extras so be sure to snap one up.
Barolo and Barbaresco are two provinces in the Piedmont district of Italy that grow the Nebbiolo grape. Most commercial wines containing Nebbiolo are marketed with the name of the these provinces. A decent commercial Barolo will retail typically starting at $40/bottle, Barbaresco maybe slightly less. The folks of this region are particularly proud of their wines and grape orchards. In fact in the 15th century cutting down of a Nebbiolo vine was punishable by cutting off your right arm. Repeated offenses were subject to hanging.
Nebbiolo is described as big, strapping and redolent with aromas of tar and roses, with chocolate, licorice and rich, spicy fruit. It has a good amount of acids like most Italian wines. It is best paired with rich lamb and beef dishes, stews, any mushrooms or root vegetables.
In April, we are featuring a Selection Limited Edition Italian Nebbiolo with grape skins from the Ghiardello Vineyard in Reggio Emilia, Italy. We have a few extras so be sure to snap one up.