Nebbiolo

Aka Spanna in northern Piemonte, Chiavennasca in Lombardia, and Picotener in Valle d’Aosta. Italy’s greatest native grape. Garnet with a telltale orange hue. High in acidity, tannins, and alcohol. Extensive aging potential. Aromas & flavors: Flowers (red rose, violet), sour red cherry, cranberry, tea, tobacco, licorice, sandalwood, truffle. Three main biotypes: Lampia (the “real” Nebbiolo), Michet (a high-quality version of Lampia with fanleaf virus), and Rosé (parent or offspring of Lampia; lighter in color, highly perfumed).