So I’ve been trying quite a few Nebbiolos of late, in a quest to learn to love it more. This has meant tasting a fair few young Barolos, and struggling a bit with their raw, primary tannins, which can be quite fearsome. This is where Langhe Nebbiolo proves useful. These wines are, as you’d expect, more approachable, and they still have plenty of Nebbiolo personality. Here are two that I’ve really enjoyed.
GD Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2012 Piedmont, Italy
14% alcohol. Lovely ripe sweet nose of pure raspberry and red cherries. The palate is fresh with pure sweet cherry and berry fruits with a bit of grippiness. There’s some tannic structure hidden under the sleek cherry fruit. This is a lovely supple wine. 91/100
Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2011 Serralunga d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy
14% alcohol. Such elegant packaging. Cherry red colour with a nose of fresh raspberries and cherries, as well as savoury notes of dried herbs and a hint of rose petal. The palate has nice balance with sweet red fruits, herbs and a bit of grippy, savoury structure, as well as subtle tea leaf and herb notes. Focused, with lovely elegance, finishing firm and grippy. 92/100
UK agent for both these wines is Liberty
Find these wines with wine-searcher.com
1 Comment on Learning to love Nebbiolo: Langhe Nebb from Vajra and Massolino
I am also a Barolo sceptic, these sound more like my wind of wine.