AUSTRALIAN NEBBIOLO
Nebbiolo is a noble grape varietal from Italy’s northwest, with its spiritual home in the Piedmont region. Best known for producing the legendary wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, Nebbiolo is widely regarded as Italy’s most revered red and is held in high esteem by winemakers and wine lovers around the world.
In Australia, Nebbiolo first appeared in the Hunter Valley during the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the Pizzini family began planting it in Victoria’s King Valley later that decade that the variety truly gained traction. Their first single-varietal release came in 1991, helping cement Nebbiolo’s undeniable presence in our wine scene.
Though notoriously tricky to grow, today, Australian producers are crafting exceptional, award-winning expressions of this iconic grape, capable of rivalling even the best from Italy.
WHAT IS NEBBIOLO WINE?
Although Nebbiolo is a pale red colour in the glass, it’s all about bold structure, grippy tannins and bright acidity. Classic Nebbiolo displays aromas of red cherry, rose petals, tar, dried herbs and earthy spice, with subtle hints of leather, star anise, tobacco and sometimes truffle as it ages.
This complex array of flavours reflects its ability to evolve beautifully over time. While it demands attention in the vineyard and patience in the cellar, when made well, Nebbiolo is a wine of exceptional elegance, depth and character.
What type of wine is Nebbiolo?
Nebbiolo is an iconic red wine with a signature combination of high acidity, grippy tannins, and a complex bouquet of aromas and flavours. The alcohol content of Nebbiolo wines typically ranges from 13% to 15% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on factors such as climate, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques.
Nebbiolo is a late-ripening variety, meaning it requires extended growing seasons to reach optimal ripeness, which can contribute to higher alcohol content in warmer regions. However, cooler climates might result in lower alcohol levels.
Is Nebbiolo Red or White?
Nebbiolo is a red wine, but it is lighter in colour than many other reds, such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This lighter colour is due to Nebbiolo’s relatively thin skin, which imparts less colour to the wine during fermentation.
The colour can lighten slightly as Nebbiolo ages, but it typically retains a translucent, brick-red or garnet shade. The lighter colour reflects the grape’s naturally high acidity and tannin structure, contributing more to its aroma and flavour than deep colour extraction.
What is the difference between Italian vs Australian Nebbiolo?
Italian Nebbiolo, particularly from regions like Barolo and Barbaresco, tends to have higher acidity, firmer tannins, and more complex, earthy flavours, thanks to the cooler climate of Piedmont. These wines are often structured and age-worthy, developing nuanced flavours over time.
WHAT DOES AUSTRALIAN NEBBIOLO TASTE LIKE?
Australian Nebbiolo is a medium-bodied wine with a profile similar to Pinot Noir and Grenache. So if you enjoy those, you should definitely give Nebbiolo a try. Expect bright acidity, very pronounced tannins, red fruit flavours like cherries and raspberries, and earthy hints of rose petals, leather, and tobacco. As it matures, it develops flavours of dried herbs and spices, making it a perfect match for rich dishes like truffle pasta, aged cheese or slow-braised meats.
In contrast, Australian Nebbiolo, grown in comparatively warmer regions like the King Valley, tends to be riper, softer, and more fruit-forward, with less intense tannins, making it more approachable in its youth. While both expressions retain Nebbiolo's signature flavour profile, Australian Nebbiolo is generally smoother, less tannic, and made to be enjoyed earlier.
Is Nebbiolo sweet or dry?
Nebbiolo is a dry red wine, renowned for its high acidity and firm tannins. While it often exhibits notes of red fruits, rose petals, and violets, its palate is distinctly savoury, with flavours that can include earth, leather, and dried herbs.
Is Nebbiolo similar to Pinot Noir?
Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir both appeal to lovers of elegant, aromatic reds, but they deliver very different experiences in the glass. While Pinot Noir is known for its soft texture, bright red fruit, and gentle tannins, Nebbiolo offers more structure, marked by firm tannins, high acidity, and savoury depth. They may share a similarly light colour and finesse, but Nebbiolo has a bolder, more assertive flavour profile.
Is Nebbiolo similar to Sangiovese?
Nebbiolo and Sangiovese are classic Italian reds with high acidity, making them great wines to enjoy with food, but Nebbiolo is generally more tannic and robust, with floral, earthy, and spicy notes like rose, star anise, and tar. Sangiovese, on the other hand, leans toward bright cherry, dried herbs, and savoury spice. Sangiovese is usually softer and more approachable when young, while Nebbiolo is built for the cellar.
BEST NEBBIOLO IN AUSTRALIA
Like all wines, Nebbiolo reflects the terroir in which it’s grown, the winemaking techniques employed, and the distinct vision each producer strives to bring to life. Renowned producers, including De Bortoli, Pizzini, Trimboli Family Wines, Longview Vineyards, Heathcote Estate, Soumah, Christmont, Moppity Vineyards, and Sam Miranda, consistently craft outstanding Australian Nebbiolo.
WHAT REGION IN AUSTRALIA MAKES THE BEST NEBBIOLO?
Only around 200 hectares of Nebbiolo are planted in Australia, yet the quality of Australian Nebbiolo is on par with some of the best in the world. Popular Nebbiolo wines in Australia come from wine regions like King Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and the Yarra Valley, where the climate is cool to moderate and offers a good diurnal shift (warm days and cool nights) to allow the variety to show its best.
Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo is a distinctive expression of the variety, benefiting from the region’s cool climate and high altitudes. These conditions allow for a longer ripening period, contributing to the wine's complexity and balance. With its bright structure and elegant profile, Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo is a refined choice that has excellent ageing potential.
Nebbiolo from the Yarra Valley strikes a perfect balance between freshness and structure. The region’s cool climate and slow ripening period allow vibrant red fruit flavours to develop, accompanied by delicate floral aromas and a nuanced earthy complexity. This expression of Nebbiolo is graceful in its youth and poised for ageing, revealing deeper layers of character as it matures.
McLaren Vale’s Nebbiolo is a stunning expression of the varietal, with the region’s warmer climate allowing for a fuller, more rounded character than its cooler-climate counterparts. McLaren Vale Nebbiolo boasts vibrant red fruit flavours, with layers of cherry, plum, and hints of raspberry, balanced by the varietal’s signature tannins and bright acidity. Subtle earthy notes and delicate floral nuances add depth, while the warm climate imparts a rich, bold structure.
King Valley Nebbiolo is a refined, cool-climate expression of the variety, offering bright acidity, fine tannins, and lifted aromatics. Grown in the region’s elevated vineyards, it delivers vibrant notes of sour cherry, wild strawberry, and rose petal, with hints of spice and a savoury, earthy backbone.
DO YOU CHILL NEBBIOLO WINE?
Nebbiolo is generally not served chilled. It's best enjoyed just below room temperature at around 15–19°C (60–65°F). However, younger, lighter styles, such as those from King Valley, can be served slightly chilled for a fresher, crisper taste.
DOES NEBBIOLO AGE WELL?
Nebbiolo ages exceptionally well. Premium examples, especially those with the right balance of acidity and tannins, can be cellared for up to 10 years or more. During this time, the wine evolves, with fruit flavours mellowing and more complex secondary flavours, such as dried herbs, tobacco, and earthy nuances, coming to the fore.
BEST FOOD PAIRINGS FOR NEBBIOLO
Since Nebbiolo hails from Italy, it’s no surprise that the best food pairings for this wine are Italian-style dishes, particularly those featuring braised or fattier cuts of meat, as well as cheeses like parmesan, pecorino, and washed-rind varieties.
Nebbiolo also has a distinct anise aroma and flavour, making it an excellent match for decadent Asian dishes that incorporate spices like Sichuan pepper, five spice, clove, star anise, and cinnamon.
For some quick inspiration, check out Massimo Mele's paccheri genovese, Lyndey Milan's braised oxtail with Italian flavours, Silvia Colloca's beef and sausage ragù with rigatoni and other delicious recipes that pair perfectly with Nebbiolo.
Dive deeper and learn more facts about Nebbiolo.
HOW TO BUY NEBBIOLO FROM WINE SELECTORS?
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