European Nebbiolo
Although it was originally grown in Lombardy, the home of Nebbiolo wine production is the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. The grape's name is derived from the word Nebbia which translates to "fog." Fog often blankets the hilly region during harvest.
The varietal is given the choicest vineyard locations in Piedmont. It is normally grown between 400 and 1,000 feet in the region on southwest facing slopes. Piedmont has large temperature swings between summer and winter.
Barolo and Barbaresco are made exclusively with the Nebbiolo grape. Both are tannic, age worthy wines, though Barbaresco is a bit more approachable at a younger age. Barolo is often referred to as, “the wine of kings.”
Nebbiolo has been cultivated in Piedmont for centuries. It was first mentioned in texts during the Middle Ages and was highly valued during the Renaissance. The grape was first traded on the international market during the 18th century. Incessant conflict with France caused British merchants to seek other full bodied, age worthy reds wines of Bordeaux.
