Nebbiolo is native to Piedmont in north-western Italy and is responsible for some of the country's most distinctive red wines.
It is typically relatively pale in colour yet naturally high in acidity and tannin, with an aromatic profile that can encompass red cherry, rose, spice, herbs and savoury complexity.
While Barolo is Nebbiolo's most famous expression, the grape extends considerably beyond a single appellation.
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is one of the most useful ways to begin exploring the variety.
Produced within the broader Langhe denomination, these wines can offer an earlier-drinking expression of Nebbiolo while retaining its characteristic perfume, freshness and tannin.
Many leading producers of Barolo and Barbaresco also make Langhe Nebbiolo, making it an interesting way to understand producer style at a different level of the regional hierarchy.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco DOCG is another of Nebbiolo's most important expressions.
Produced in a defined area centred around Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso, the appellation has its own vineyards, producer traditions and ageing requirements.
Although Barbaresco is sometimes broadly described as softer or earlier-drinking than Barolo, style varies considerably. Vineyard site, vintage and producer remain essential to understanding an individual bottle.
Nebbiolo Beyond the Langhe
Nebbiolo is also grown elsewhere across Piedmont.
Further north, appellations including Gattinara and Ghemme provide different expressions of the grape, sometimes using the local name Spanna.
These wines broaden the picture of Nebbiolo considerably beyond its best-known Langhe appellations.
Australian Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo has developed a small but increasingly established presence in Australia.
Its long growing season means vineyard location is particularly important, and producers have explored the variety across regions in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
Australian examples offer another perspective on Nebbiolo while generally retaining the grape's recognisable combination of fragrance, acidity and tannin.
Nebbiolo & Barolo
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind Barolo, but Barolo is a regulated geographical appellation rather than another name for Nebbiolo.
Barolo is produced entirely from Nebbiolo within a defined area of Piedmont and is governed by specific production and ageing requirements.
For wines from individual Barolo communes, MGAs and producers, explore our dedicated Barolo collection.
Serving & Cellaring Nebbiolo
Young Nebbiolo can be distinctly structured and may benefit from exposure to air before serving. Mature examples should be handled more carefully, with decanting determined by the condition and age of the individual bottle.
Nebbiolo's acidity and tannin can also give suitable wines considerable ageing potential. With time, fresh fruit and floral characteristics can develop towards dried flowers, earth, leather, spice and other savoury notes.
Shop Nebbiolo at Kent Street Cellars
Explore Nebbiolo from Piedmont and Australia, spanning Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, regional wines and selected mature releases.
For a deeper exploration of Piedmont's most famous Nebbiolo appellation, browse the dedicated Barolo collection. Delivery is available Australia-wide, with same-day delivery across eligible Sydney metropolitan areas.
