Nebbiolo is one of those grapes that is misunderstood. I remember when I first started drinking wine and someone was describing a Barolo ( a beautiful wine from the Piedmont region in Italy made from Nebbiolo). She was saying that people have a strong reaction to the grape, that they either love it or hate it. As I have learned more and more about wine and grapes and their flavor profiles, I have come to the conclusion of just how wrong this is....poor Nebbiolo is getting a bum wrap!
Coming from Piedmont in Italy, this grape is one that changes during maturation. It is a bold, big and tannic grape to start with ranges of plum, raspberry, floral and perfume notes to ending up with mushroom, leather, baked plum and earthy notes. It mellows with age (don't we all) and becomes softer and classier (if only people aged as well as Nebbiolo).
As some of the finer wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are made with Nebbiolo, it can be very pricey. This makes it harder for people to give it a chance. The Fratelli Pezzuto Malot Roero Valmaggiore 2007 is one of those bottles that won't break the bank, but will give you a great introduction to the wonders of the grape. With hints of tart raspberry, light notes of mushroom and leather mingling with violets and cherries, the tannins are tight and the finish is long but quite refreshing. I would even go out on a limb and say that this would be a great bottle to serve slightly chilled sitting out next to the bonfire on these upcoming fall evenings.
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