The Wine Front – If you’re in an Italian state of mind then we’re pretty much into ‘fill your boots’ territory here. This is the kind of ‘go to’ wine you’re always going to want to have on hand. It’s all licorice root, dark cherry, earthen/ferrous-like spice and coffee grounds, the acidity refreshing and the tannin authentically firm. It’s not earth-shattering but it’s damn good buying and drinking.
World Wine – "A rich, fleshy nebbiolo with a mix of classic tar-and-roses character together with savoury 'forest floor' flavours and spicy oak. A delicious wine with power and further potential."
96 pts - Bob Campbell MW
James Suckling – Outer quote mark Very intense blackberry and blueberry character with sliced-mushroom and tree-bark undertones. Porcini mushrooms really set the tone here. It’s full-bodied with powerful tannins that come through the fantastic fruit. Lots to see and understand here, but it’s just opening now. One for the cellar. Try after 2025. Inner quote mark (10/2021)
James Suckling – Lovely wild-strawberry, raspberry and red-cherry fruit on the nose, together with mineral tinges. Medium-bodied and fresh with good intensity, despite the lighter structure this year. The tannins provide enough support to keep it going.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – With aromas of earth, dried spice and crushed stone, the Paolo Scavino 2018 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc holds its own in this vintage. Thanks to its wide shoulders, the wine gives emphasis to a core of dark fruit, licorice and grilled herb. This 9,000-bottle production uses fruit from the Fiasco vineyard in Castiglione Falletto.
James Suckling – An attractive nose, with dense floral notes to color the ripe red berries and cherries. Hints of white nuts and apricot skins add to the appeal. The same enticing fruit mix on the palate, too, with an easy bed of fine but loosely knit tannin that adds a luxurious note to the mouth-feel. All in all, this is quite an extravagant Barolo with loads to like now, but should age gracefully.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – With fruit from Roddi, the 2018 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is open-knit and broad, and its aromas focus on dark fruit, ripe cherry and plum. This vintage does not have the extreme aromatic definition that we saw in past vintages, but it delivers a long and polished mouthfeel nonetheless. Best After 2024 - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Nebbiolo's name is believed to be derived from the Italian word "nebbia", which means fog. This is fitting, as the Piedmont region, where it primarily grows, is often blanketed in a thick mist during the harvest season. The grape has a long history in Italy, with written records mentioning Nebbiolo dating back to the 13th century.
The grape is known for its distinct tannins and high acidity, characteristics that give Nebbiolo wines their structure and longevity. The wine's unique aroma profile often encompasses rose petals, tar, cherries, and dried herbs. These nuances can vary depending on the exact location of the vineyard and the winemaking techniques employed.
Though primarily associated with Piedmont, some winemakers in other parts of the world have taken on the challenge of growing Nebbiolo, intrigued by its unique profile and winemaking potential. However, its true home remains the rolling hills of Piedmont, where it expresses its character most authentically.
Nebbiolo is one of the most illustrious Italian red grapes. Although Nebbiolo can produce attractive everyday wines, it is better known for the masterpieces created with it — wines coveted by wine lovers and collectors alike and worthy of any cellar. Nebbiolo is native to Piedmont, in Northern Italy, and it shares the spotlight with a few other red grapes, Barbera and Dolcetto. Still, for structured and age-worthy red wines, Nebbiolo is everyone’s grape of choice. Let’s talk about Nebbiolo and the wines made from it. Nebbiolo might just be one of the most exciting grapes on the planet.
Although grape growers tend Nebbiolo vines worldwide, the vast majority are in Piedmont, specifically around the town of Asti and Alba along the Tanaro River. The most popular Nebbiolo wines are, without a doubt, Barolo and Barbaresco, two DOCG-level wines made exclusively with the grape — authentic collector’s items. Other popular wines made with Nebbiolo include those labelled as Langhe or Roero. The grape also goes by different names in neighbouring regions, where it’s known as Spanna, Picoutener and Chiavennasca. Since Italian winemakers rarely mention the grape varieties to their labels, knowing the essential appellations for Nebbiolo pays off.
Nebbiolo is an exciting varietal that produces pale-coloured red wines with high alcoholic warmth, acidity and plenty of gritty tannins. The wines are full-bodied, bold and age worthy. There aren’t many types of wine made with Nebbiolo, but each appellation using the grape has its classification. Barolo, for example, if aged for thirty-eight months, is labelled as Barolo, but if aged for stunning 62 months, it becomes a Barolo Riserva. We could also classify the types of Nebbiolo depending on their provenance. Although most wine made with the Grape is Piedmontese, there are exciting expressions of the grape made elsewhere, mainly in Australia.
Nebbiolo is a finicky grape that only ripens where the conditions are right. That’s why it is not the most planted despite being the most popular grape in Piedmont. This means Nebbiolo wines are somewhat rare, and with rarity comes a higher price. The reputation of appellations such as Barolo and Barbaresco and the fame of the producers also increases the wine’s price. The best Nebbiolo is expensive, but you can still find affordable expressions of the grape. Expect to pay a premium for memorable, age-worthy wines, but you’ll find adequately priced wines suitable for everyday enjoyment.
For authentic Piedmontese Nebbiolo and other exciting specialties, such as Australian Nebbiolo and even a couple of pink wines made with the grape, browse our selection at World Wine. Your source of fine wine in Australia. The best Nebbiolo wines can be pricey, but there’s immense pleasure in more affordable examples. With Nebbiolo, the more expensive the wine, the more age-worthy. Still, not all wines are meant to age for decades — some are ready to be enjoyed today. That’s Nebbiolo’s magic. The grape is exceptional whether young or well-aged.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.