Nebbiolo that gives Barolo a run for its money
We’re always hunting to get more bang for our wine-drinking buck, and today’s offer hits the jackpot:
Piedmontese Nebbiolo under $40 that drinks like Barolo twice its price!
Crissante Alessandria Langhe Nebbiolo!
When Alberto Alessandria speaks about his wines, he does not mince his words; he’s direct in relaying his profound knowledge of Nebbiolo and the vineyards surrounding his home. Like him, his wines are serious, with layers revealing themselves the more you lean in. Get him going on the subject, and he’ll deliver an impassioned masterclass on Nebbiolo.
When most people hear “Nebbiolo,” they think Barolo or Barbaresco — the flagship appellations of the Piedmont, where Nebbiolo is as important as Pinot Noir is to Burgundy. But much like Burgundy has its Bourgogne Côte d’Or appellation for regional wines, the Piedmont has Langhe Nebbiolo, the regional appellation for your weeknight Nebbiolo fix: Expressive Nebbiolo character, ready to drink without years of aging, and an affordable price tag.
The Alessandria family owns vineyards surrounding the hilltop village of La Morra, a mere 6 hectares of vines. From the 5 different parcels, Alberto makes a few thousand bottles of his top Barolo Crus annually. His Langhe Nebbiolo? Crafted from the declassified portions - 100% La Morra fruit, as elegant and precise as anything Alberto makes, but made to be enjoyed upon release, in the years following the vintage, not decades later! Around here, Dan and I call this Baby Barolo!
Crissante Alessandria
Langhe Nebbiolo 2023
From the estate’s younger vines, planted in 2009, Alberto ferments this Nebbiolo in stainless steel tanks, before aging in large botti for a minimum of 6 months. His light touch -- more infusion than extraction -- yields an approachable wine without aggressive tannins.
With an eye-catching, liquid luminescent ruby color in your glass, the aromas practically reach out to greet you with an elegant embrace; a layered perfume of strawberries, cherries, violets and savory herbs. On the palate, this is tight-knit with silky-smooth tannin, finishing with a finesse to match the finest Barolos out there.
I was blown away by this bottling - you don’t normally see this kind of elegance in “simple” Langhe Nebbiolo, yet Alberto knows what he’s doing. He’s delivered out-sized value on this one, showcasing the beauty and charm of Nebbiolo, with a very friendly price tag. While this will age beautifully over the next 6-8 years, open one right away for a vibrant and enticing wine that won’t disappoint.