Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo: the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco

Nebbiolo is Piedmont's great red grape and one of the most distinctive wines in the world. It looks pale in the glass, often turning brick-orange at the rim with age, yet it carries firm tannin and bright acidity. The name is usually traced to nebbia, Italian for fog, which settles over the Langhe hills around harvest.

Almost all serious Nebbiolo comes from Piedmont in north-west Italy, with smaller pockets in northern Piedmont and in Lombardy's Valtellina, where the grape is called Chiavennasca.

Barolo and Barbaresco

Barolo comes from a group of villages south-west of Alba, including La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba, Verduno and Barolo itself. It must be aged at least 38 months, 18 of them in wood, before release; Riserva needs 62 months. Expect power, structure and a long life in the cellar.

Barbaresco sits north-east of Alba, around Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso. Its minimum ageing is shorter, 26 months with 9 in wood (Riserva 50 months), and it is often more approachable when young, although the best examples age just as well.

Langhe Nebbiolo and other everyday styles

Not every bottle needs a decade in the cellar. Langhe Nebbiolo, Nebbiolo d'Alba and Monferrato Nebbiolo are made from the same grape, often from younger vines, and released earlier. They give you Nebbiolo's perfume and grip at a friendlier price, and many Barolo houses make one: Massolino, Paolo Scavino, Cavallotto, Fratelli Alessandria and Rocche Costamagna all have a Langhe Nebbiolo in our range. Further north, Lessona produces a leaner, more mineral style; Proprietà Sperino's is a good introduction.

Producers we stock

For Barolo: Massolino, Paolo Scavino, Luciano Sandrone, Poderi Aldo Conterno, Cavallotto, Fratelli Alessandria, Rocche Costamagna, Chionetti, Lalù and Prunotto. For Barbaresco: Albino Rocca, Piero Busso, Castello di Neive, Cantina del Pino and Moccagatta. Most also make Barbera and Dolcetto, which you'll find in our Piedmont range.

What you get at each price

• Under $60: Langhe Nebbiolo, Nebbiolo d'Alba, half bottles of Barolo. The easiest way into the grape.
• $60 to $120: estate Langhe Nebbiolo from top Barolo houses, and entry-level Barolo and Barbaresco from Prunotto, Batasiolo, Rocche Costamagna, Paolo Scavino and Albino Rocca.
• $120 to $300: single-vineyard Barolo and Barbaresco, where the differences between villages and sites start to show.
• $300 and up: Riserva bottlings, magnums and cellar icons such as Aldo Conterno's Granbussia and Sandrone's Vite Talin.

Label terms

• DOCG / DOC: Italy's top two appellation levels. Barolo and Barbaresco are DOCG; Langhe and Nebbiolo d'Alba are DOC.
• Riserva: longer minimum ageing before release.
• MGA or vineyard name: an officially recognised named site, such as Bussia, Cannubi, Rocche dell'Annunziata, Gallina or Albesani.
• Classico (Barolo Classico): on Barolo this is a producer's own name for a blended, multi-vineyard wine, not a legal zone.

Serving and cellaring

Young Barolo and Barbaresco benefit from an hour or two in a decanter and a large glass. Nebbiolo's acidity and tannin suit braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged cheese and truffles.

Buying by the case, and wines on request

Many customers come to us for one particular bottle, often something they had at a restaurant, and buy it by the case. Delivery is free over $500. Because we order from a wide network of suppliers rather than relying on our own warehouse, we can often find a vintage, bottle size or producer that isn't listed. If you can't see it, ask us.

Nebbiolo FAQs

What is the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco?

Both are 100% Nebbiolo from the hills around Alba in Piedmont. Barolo comes from villages south-west of Alba and has a longer minimum ageing period, while Barbaresco comes from north-east of Alba and is often more approachable when young.

Is Langhe Nebbiolo the same as Barolo?

No. Langhe Nebbiolo is the same grape from a wider area with less required ageing, so it is ready to drink sooner and costs far less; many Barolo producers make one.

How long should I cellar Barolo?

Good Barolo is usually at its best from around 10 years after the vintage, and top examples can go 20 years or more. Langhe Nebbiolo is best enjoyed within its first five years or so.

Does Barolo need decanting?

Yes, young Barolo opens up with one to two hours in a decanter. Older bottles should stand upright for a day and be decanted gently off their sediment just before serving.

Can you source a Barolo that isn't on the site?

Often, yes. We order from many suppliers, so send us the producer, wine and vintage and we'll check availability and price.