EVERYDAY NEBBIOLO AND NEBBIOLO BLENDS
Nebbiolo is one of Italy’s most noble grapes and the grape that produces two of the world’s most revered wines; Barolo and Barbaresco. Because of their popularity and age-worthiness, those wines are now becoming quite expensive and really need to age several years before they show their true seductive beauty. So as a huge Nebbiolo fan, I’m always on the hunt for Nebbiolo wines that deliver some of those same alluring qualities at a young age and at a much more affordable price to enjoy on a frequent basis. I’ve been quite lucky lately and discovered several Nebbiolo wines, Nebbiolo blends and even a Barolo that are off the charts for their quality to price ratio.
2021 Paolo Scavino Vino Rosso $13.99
This thoroughly enjoyable red blend from the Scavino family is a surprisingly incredible value coming from such a well respected Barolo producer. Produced from a blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, this medium bodied, plush, red is fresh and lively with just the right amount of succulent red fruit to pair with a wide variety of foods. Only 500 cases are imported.
2020 Tintero Langhe Nebbiolo $15.99
This is such a great find, especially for fans of Nebbiolo; a delightfully light and expressive Nebbiolo with beautiful aromas of dried rose petals and red cherry fruit. The cherry fruit continues on the palate with hints of earth and some fine tannins. Easy enough for some salami and cheese or a mushroom pizza.
N.V. La Salita Vino Rosso $16.99
This is delightfully easy blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. It's light, vibrant and fresh with notes of forest floor. The Vino Rosso is focused on freshness, either finished entirely in stainless steel or 6 months in used oak barrels. La Salita is a high-quality negociant project owned by Giuliana Imports, launched in 2021 after 26 years of working in the Langhe. The relationships they formed with producers and farmers from Barolo, Roero, Alba and Asti have allowed for the creation of a line of wines based on quality and value.
2020 Renato Ratti ‘Ochetti’ Langhe Nebbiolo $23.99
Ratti's Langhe Nebbiolo is fresh, light and vibrant with red cherry and berry fruits taking center stage. Hints of leather and spice round out the palate and some firm tannins add nice structure. A great weeknight meal style Nebbiolo and at a great price.
2019 Poderi Colla Nebbiolo d’Alba $27.99
The Colla family is one of the most important wine growing families in Barolo and Barbaresco producing elegant, traditional style wines. The vineyards for this Nebbiolo d’Alba are located on a hill across the road from Barbaresco. This is stunning, elegant expression of Nebbiolo. It’s light yet powerful with floral aromas and expressive red fruits and a nice spicy finish. A fantastic value and approachable Nebbiolo wine.
This amazing value Barolo is a great entry into the Barolo world and has all the classic markings of good Barolo; aromas of dried rose petals followed by beautiful red cherry fruits with hints of leather and tar. It is Barolo so give it some air to allow its alluring qualities to really open up. La Salita is a high-quality negociant project owned by Giuliana Imports, launched in 2021 after 26 years of working in the Langhe. Their relationships formed with producers and farmers from Barolo have allowed for the creation of a line of wines based on quality and value. The Barolo is made from Nebbiolo farmed in the commune of Verduno, fermented and aged in a classic way using only large used casks.