Nebbiolo takes its name from the word nebbia which means “fog” in Italian. It's home country is truly where this variety shines, in the hills of the Piedmont region.
Most famous regions:
Langhe Hills
Barbaresco &Barolo
Novara Hills:
Ghemme & Gattinara
Valetellina
Viticulture & Viniculture
Features: medium size berries, loose bunches, high extract, early bud/late ripening. Needs long autumn w/heat to achieve optimal ripeness.
Susceptibility: Very hardy
Climate: Warm; likes cooling fog
Soil: Very picky: needs Italian chalk, clay or limestone soils
Carbonic Maceration
Extended Maceration, 2 weeks for maximum extraction
Oak aging: large old oak barrel plus bottle aging requirements
Old World: Piedmont, IT
New World: Argentina, Australia, California
Color: deeply concentrated dark garnet with some rim fade
Aroma: Very aromatic: liolets, truffles, roses, tar, Licorice, cherry, dried fruits, dried herbs
Acidity: High
Alcohol:
Med in Barbaresco
High in Barolo
Tannins: high
Flavors: Dry tannins, earth smoke pure cherry fruit licorice chocolate; very complex