Wines Worth Exploring: Langhe Nebbiolo

Piedmont is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its rolling hills, truffle hunting, and some of the most age-worthy reds in the world. When it comes to wine, the focus is on Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco. These iconic wines are beloved for their elegance, power, and longevity. But what if you want to experience the beauty of Nebbiolo without waiting years for the tannins to soften? That’s where Langhe Nebbiolo comes in. It’s a more approachable bottle, yet still delivers a beautiful expression of this noble grape.

• The Region

The Langhe is a broad area in Piedmont that includes the well-known zones of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero (where the famous white wine, Arneis, comes from). While Nebbiolo vines planted in the top sites are reserved for DOCG wines, those from the cooler, lower vineyards, often find their way into Langhe Nebbiolo. These wines can be incredible values, offering much of the charm and complexity of the more famous Nebbiolo wines, but with ability to drink sooner.

If you’d like to learn more about Piedmont, find a recap of our visit here.

• The Grape

Nebbiolo is a wine full of contradiction. The color is light and aromas are delicate—often rose and violet, which might suggest a lighter style wine. But don’t be fooled! Tasting the wine reveals its firm tannins, and richer flavors including cherry, coffee, and earth. In Barolo, those tannins need time to soften. In Langhe wines, however, Nebbiolo often shows a lighter, silkier side that’s ready to drink much sooner, while still delivering structure and complexity.

• Food Pairings

Langhe Nebbiolo is a versatile wine and a great go-to for many meals. Its bright acidity and savory flavors make it a natural match for Piedmontese classics like pasta with meat ragu, roasted veal, or truffle risotto. But since most of us aren’t making truffle risotto every night, it’s also excellent with mushroom dishes, grilled salmon, or aged cheeses.

• Why It’s Worth Knowing

Langhe Nebbiolo is often called the “baby Barolo.” While that’s not wrong, it can undersell the beauty of the wine. Yes, it’s a more approachable and affordable way to explore Nebbiolo, but it’s also a delicious choice in its own right. I recently had the 2023 Fratelli Barale Langhe Nebbiolo, and it proves that you don’t need to wait decades (or spend a fortune) to experience the beauty of this legendary grape. Other producers worth seeking out include Poderi Aldo Conterno, Vietti, Sottimano, and Piero Busso.

Interested in more Wines Worth Exploring? Discover Italy’s Vermentino.