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Wines

Nebbiolo

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • Red
  • Red • Dry
  • 12–14.5% ABV
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness
  • medium acidity

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
  • ✓You enjoy firm tannins and structured red wines.
  • ✓You want a full-bodied, rich wine to pair with hearty food.

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
  • ✗You prefer smooth, low-tannin or white wines.
  • ✗You prefer lighter, more delicate wine styles.

At a Glance

12–14.5%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
HighTannin
FullBody
16°CServe

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Nebbiolo?

A full-bodied red wine with high tannins and flavors of red fruit, roses, and tar.

Taste profile

Dry sweetnessmedium acidityHigh tanninsFull bodyEarthyRed FruitFloralTannic
Earthy(medium)Red Fruit(high)Floral(medium)Tannic(high)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Red
  • ABV range: 12–14.5%
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
medium
Tannin
High
  • Earthy · medium intensity — Nebbiolo often shows earthy savoury complexity.
  • Red Fruit · high intensity — Nebbiolo commonly shows red cherry and red fruit character.
  • Floral · medium intensity — Nebbiolo commonly shows floral aromatics.
  • Tannic · high intensity — Nebbiolo is known for high tannin.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

Grape & region

Grape varieties
Nebbiolo
Region(s)
Piedmont, Barolo, Barbaresco, Langhe
Country
Italy
Sweetness
Dry
Skin contact
Extended red-wine skin contact

Principal wine regions

A principal grape in Piedmont — explore the regions known for it.

How it’s made

Method
Red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, fermented on skins and typically aged for extended periods to manage firm tannin and build complex aroma.

How to serve

Serving temperature
16°C
Glassware
Bordeaux glass

When to serve

DinnerSavoury foodRed meatAged cheeseRed

Dietary

How Nebbiolo fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

Also known as

Nebbiolo (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Nebbiolo?
A full-bodied red wine with high tannins and flavors of red fruit, roses, and tar.
What does Nebbiolo taste like?
Nebbiolo is often described as Earthy, Red Fruit, Floral, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Nebbiolo?
Nebbiolo pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Nebbiolo?
Nebbiolo typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Nebbiolo?
Nebbiolo works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Nebbiolo?
If you enjoy Nebbiolo, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Nebbiolo improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Nebbiolo depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Nebbiolo with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.