Nebbiolo
Massively structured and adamantly tannic; pale in color yet ferociously tannic and high-acid; the noble grape of Barolo and Barbaresco.
About the grape
One of the oldest and most important varieties in Piedmont, Italy, nebbiolo is massively structured and adamantly tannic when young — from anything less than a fantastic vineyard it can slam your palate closed. The finest nebbiolos possess an unequaled combination of complexity and power, with flavors and aromas of tar, violets, and a rich, espresso-like bitterness from the wine's pronounced tannin. In the minds of Italians it is equal in status to the great cabernet sauvignons of France, and it makes the exalted Piedmontese wines Barolo and Barbaresco. It is a poster child for grapes that don't travel well, thriving essentially only in Piedmont.
