Nebbiolo Wine Comes From Grapes That Thrive in Fog

Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire,general location.
the Nebbiolo grape is one of the main grapesNebbiolo grapes ripen later in the year than other
harvested in the vineyards of the Piedmont regionvarieties and need to have a lot of exposure to
of Italy. Records show that it was used in makingthe sun. They will not grow as well in sandy soil as
the wines enjoyed by those at the Castle ofthey will in calcerous. The skins of this grape are
Rovoli in the 13th century. Currently, it is one ofvery tough, which does make them very hardy
the main grapes used in the production ofand able to resist mold and pests.
Barbaesco and Barolo wines, yet it makes up onThe first leaves start to appear on the vines in
about 3% of all wines produced in the PiedmontApril, but it not until June that they start to bloom.
area.The grapes are not harvested until late October.
Nebbiolo is considered one of the best varieties ofThe fog that develops in the valleys is really good
fine Italian wines, along with Dolcetto andfor the growth of the grapes because it provides
Tempranillo. It is dark and has a more tannicthe vines with much of the moisture that they
flavor than most other wines, but it is veryneed.
long-lasting and prized by wine collectors andThere are several different flavors of Nebbiolo [
connoisseurs. The Italian wineries that do producewine which depend on the barrels used for aging
this wine are very protective of the grapes andthe wine. Some of the wines have an herbal
the vines and very few cuttings have made theirflavor and aroma of truffles and earth. Wines that
way to other parts of the world.are aged in oak barrels have a fruity aroma and
The only other region outside the Piedmont wheretaste of smoke, oak, toast and vanilla. When
these grapes are widely grown is that of theallowed to age in the bottle, you will have a spicy
Lombardy region of Lake Como at the foot ofaroma and flavor of leather, licorice, and anise.
the Northern Alps. The grapes are planted thoughCherry, violets and roses are typical scents you
in other parts of the world, but the wineswill get from these wines.
produced do not match the same high quality ofAs a rule Nebbiolo wines are dark red wines and
those produced in Italy.have a high level of alcohol. They are bitter, but
The reason that Nebbiolo is not a widely grownhave a rich aftertaste. These wines go well with
grape is that it requires a lot of attention. Climatestrong flavored meats and stews and with strong
and soil are very important and even when thecheeses that may overpower the taste of other
right combination of these is present, there canlighter wines. They must be allowed to age for
still be a wide variety in the grapes, which doesmany years before they are suitable for drinking
affect the type of wine they produce. There is abecause of the high tannic quality in the young
wide range of tannic quality, taste and flavor fromwine.
the wines made from grapes grown in the same