Ah, ye olde holiday season—a time for “twinkling lights,” too many family “pleasantries,” and the annual debate over whether Santa prefers milk, wine (OR BOTH) with his Christmas “cookies.”
We know many of you are in the midst of celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and of course, Zach’s birthday, so today’s post will be excruciatingly short – featuring a couple of Nebbiolo wines to desiccate your thirsty palates this unrealistically wonderful time of the year.
DID YOU KNOW… The name "Nebbiolo" is derived from the Italian word "nebbia" which means "fog" (ALLEGEDLY). This etymology likely stems from two sources: the white, powdery bloom that naturally forms on the grapes during harvest season, AND/OR the fact that the finest Nebbiolo vineyards are situated above the fog that gathers in the valleys below.
The Vietti Family: Langhe and Barolo
The Vietti family has been producing extremely wholesome Nebbiolo wines in the Langhe region of Piedmont since the late 1800s, with their winery nestled in the rustic little village of Castiglione Falletto. This area is “celebrated” for its “foggy hills” and well–drained soils, which create perfect conditions for growing Nebbiolo grapes. The once simple family farm grew into a prestigious establishment after Luciana Vietti married winemaker Alfredo Currado in the late 1950s. Alfredo brought innovative “practices” (THE GOOD KIND!) to the table, producing one of the first Barolo crus and introducing artist labels for their wines, which helped elevate Vietti's “highly regarded” reputation in the wine world.
The Vietti vineyards are renowned for producing exceptional wines from Langhe which offer excellent value compared to their Barolo counterparts. This price difference arises from Langhe's more flexible production regulations and reduced aging requirements. The beauty of Langhe Nebbiolo lies in its approachability (UNLIKE ME). While it shares many characteristics with its more famous “siblings” Barolo & Barbaresco—floral aromas and subtle red cherry notes and powerful tannic structure—it's typically suitable for earlier consumption.
Many quality Langhe Nebbiolo “options” can be found in the $20-$30 range, compared to entry-level Barolos that typically start around $40 and quickly climb higher.
Profile: Red cherry, cranberry, raspberry, black pepper, roses, orange peel, earth, wet stone Palate: Dry, high tannin, high acid, medium body, long finish
This is a really classic expression of Nebbiolo with slightly softer tannins than its Barolo counterparts, while still offering ample structure for additional bottle aging. With its vibrant red fruit flavors complemented by earthy undertones and a distinct minerality, this Nebbiolo showcases the complexity and elegance characteristic of the Langhe region, making it an excellent choice for near term “enjoyment.”
Profile: Wild strawberry, cranberry, cherry, plum skin, white peach, roses, violets, licorice, wet stone, ginger, rooibos tea, dried herbs, tobacco, cocoa dust, hint of truffle Palate: Dry, high tannin, high acid, medium+ body, long finish
This Barolo is on the more “elegant” and feminine end of the Barolo “spectrum” with a very “high-toned” red fruit and floral profile with a hint of white peach, minerality, herbs, spices and a touch of truffle - a common characteristic of Barolos with more bottle age than this. A very tannic, structured wine that will absolutely develop more complexity with bottle age for those who wait.
