Wine enthusiasts, set off to discover the Nebbiolo! A jewel of the Italian vineyard, this great grape variety offers wines with a pale and delicate color and an aromatic profile of wild elegance.
What are the secrets that give this grape variety its such a unique character? Where does it find its terroir of choice? Which dishes enhance its aromas? Dive with us into the fascinating world of this Italian giant.
Summary
History and origins of the Nebbiolo grape variety
Often nicknamed "the emperor grape" or "the king of grapes" in Italy, Nebbiolo is deeply rooted in the wine history of Piedmont, a region located in the northwest of the country.
Its name is thought to come from the Italian nebbia (fog), in reference to the autumn mists that envelop the Piedmont vineyards at harvest time, or to the fine white bloom that covers its ripe berries.
The first written records proving the cultivation of Nebbiolo in Piedmont date back to the year 1266. Nevertheless, the existence of the grape variety is probably much older. The Romans were already cultivating vines in the Piedmont region, so it is possible that Nebbiolo was, even then, among the varieties grown.
In the Middle Ages, and especially in the 14th century, it was grown around Alba and La Morra, emblematic Piedmont terroirs, where it charmed the local elites. It was already described as a particularly noble grape variety.
During the Renaissance, Nebbiolo continued to be associated with high-quality wines. The Dukes of Savoy and other local lords also particularly appreciated this grape variety, contributing to its spread and growing reputation.
In the 18th century, Nebbiolo continued to gain in prestige beyond Piedmont, especially in England. This period thus marks an important turning point for Nebbiolo, which then became a symbol of Italian wine excellence internationally.
In the 19th century, Nebbiolo was at the heart of the production of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, two of the most prestigious Italian appellations. The red wines from these vineyards have since been recognized for their exceptional aging potential as well as their great aromatic complexity. However, the phylloxera crisis severely affected the vineyards of Piedmont at the end of the 19th century. Many vineyards were then ravaged by the parasite. Nevertheless, Nebbiolo survived thanks to grafting the vines onto American rootstocks.
During the 20th century, wines made from Nebbiolo (notably Barolo and Barbaresco) have definitively become stars of the Italian vineyard and are appreciated worldwide for their elegance and their ability to age harmoniously.
In 1966, the Barolo appellation was created as a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). In 1980, its status evolved to the top of the Italian DOC pyramid: the DOCG, Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. These decades thus officially established the supremacy of Nebbiolo over the great Piedmont appellations.
Today, Nebbiolo is more than ever considered one of Italy's noblest grape varieties. The wines produced from this variety are therefore highly sought after by wine lovers around the world.
Where is the Nebbiolo grape variety grown?
With around 5,250 hectares planted in the country of the Boot (over 85% of global plantings), Nebbiolo remains deeply rooted in Italy, and more particularly in Piedmont within the Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco, its two flagships.
On a global scale, the variety covers around 6,000 hectares and has also made its way into the vineyards of Switzerland (Ticino), the United States (California), Argentina, as well as Mexico and Africa. However, recreating the magic of Piedmont elsewhere is no easy feat! The terroir and climate of this region are truly unique.
Vineyard at the heart of the Barolo DOCG
The characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape variety
Nebbiolo is a demanding grape variety in terms of cultivation. It particularly thrives on well-drained limestone soils and requires good sun exposure, essential for its late ripening. The variety also buds early but ripens late, making it particularly sensitive to climate variations and spring frosts.
Its leaves, of medium size, are generally five-lobed with finely serrated edges. The grapes are compact and cylindrical, while the berries, small and spherical, are distinguished by a thin but resistant bluish skin, concentrated in tannins.
On tasting, Nebbiolo is especially renowned for its pronounced structure, with a high level of tannins and acidity. Wines from this grape variety also display a pale red color due to the low pigment content in the skin of the variety.
On the palate, Nebbiolo's aromatic palette is rich and nuanced: violet, rose, small red and black fruits (cherry, raspberry, blackberry, etc.), pepper and licorice.
Over time, Nebbiolo from the finest terroirs gains in elegance and complexity, developing a refined bouquet with tertiary notes of leather, undergrowth, tobacco, and truffle. We are clearly dealing here with a grape variety offering great aging potential!
Barbaresco and Barolo, what are the differences?
Barolo and Barbaresco are the two flagship appellations of Piedmont and share Nebbiolo as their reference grape variety. However, the wines produced in these two territories are not the same and are distinguished by their terroir but also, at times, by their winemaking methods.
The Barolo vineyard is based on limestone and clay soils ranging from 170 to 540 meters in altitude. The wines here are renowned for their power and tannic structure. Long aging in barrels is often necessary in winemaking to temper this vigor. Barolos are therefore exceptional red wines for aging..
In comparison to Barolo, the Barbaresco vineyard is located in an area slightly more influenced by the sea and at a generally lower altitude, between 200m and 400m. The terroirs are also clay-limestone but also sandier. Finally, on tasting, Barbaresco wines are generally lighter and less tannic than those of Barolo, and therefore more accessible in their youth. They notably deliver on the palate delightful notes of small red fruits and pepper. indulgent.
The differences between the two appellations thus result from the combined influence of the terroir and winemaking choices, giving each wine a unique character and a distinctive ability to evolve over time.
It should be noted that other appellations also produce delicious Nebbiolo-based wines, such as Langhe DOC, also located in Piedmont. The latter covers a vast area of 10,000 hectares and allows for greater flexibility in grape varieties and wine styles. The Nebbiolos produced there are often intended to be drunk young but can be delicious when aged. indulgent.
Which dishes to pair with Nebbiolo?
With its aromatic complexity and pronounced tannic structure, Nebbiolo pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. For a successful tasting, here are a few suggestions. indulgent.
Meats: our grape variety works wonders with grilled or slow-cooked meats such as rib of beef, lamb, or even Italian-style veal shank. Finer Nebbiolos will also pair perfectly with roasted poultry.
Sauced dishes : stews and slow-cooked dishes, such as beef bourguignon or osso buco, also harmonize very well with the power and aromatic depth of a characterful Nebbiolo.
Cheeses and truffles: Mimolette and Comté, whether young or aged, pair particularly well with the structure and intensity of Nebbiolo. Dishes based on truffles, especially truffle pasta or truffle risotto, are also classic and often highly successful pairings.
To fully enjoy your glass of Nebbiolo, we also recommend serving it between 16-18°C if it is more focused on power or between 14-16°C if it is more about fruit and floral notes. In any case, a brief decanting can help your wine reveal all its richness.
The best wines made from the Nebbiolo grape variety
If you are looking for exceptional wines made from Nebbiolo, Italy is naturally the must-visit destination. Among the iconic producers, for example, in the Barolo DOCG, there are big names such as Giacomo Conterno, Mascarello, or Giuseppe Renaldi. On the Barbaresco side, the great house Gaja, the Bruno Giacosa estate, the Sottimano estate, or the quality cooperative Produttori del Barbaresco are also musts.
Nevertheless, La Cave Éclairée would like to highlight today the Parusso estate, a magnificent property distinguished by its great terroirs as well as its expertise.
Situated in Monforte d'Alba, in the heart of the prestigious Barolo region, this family estate was created in 1901 and produces wines of great finesse where the power and elegance of Nebbiolo are expressed in perfect harmony. Now run by Marco Parusso, the 25-hectare estate stands out for its modern approach to Barolo. The estate also works prestigious plots, notably in the villages of Bussia, Mariondino, and Mosconi.
The estate's Barolos are powerful and elegant and combine aromatic richness with silky texture. While they are accessible young thanks to refined winemaking, they also all have magnificent aging potential. Their delicious Langhe El Sartü also awaits you in the range. Let yourself be tempted, you won't be disappointed!
Thus ends our wonderful exploration of Nebbiolo, this exceptional grape variety that perfectly embodies the excellence of Italian wines. So why not extend this sensory journey by treating yourself to a tasting? And if your curiosity drives you to discover other oenological gems, browse our site La Cave Éclairée ! Cheers!
