Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo, an Italian grape most known for extremely high-quality wines made in Barolo or Barbaresco, is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets. It is grown very selectively throughout the Commonwealth, and requires a long growing season to develop the high tannins and complex flavors which, combined with its high acidity, mean this wine is built to age. It is intensely aromatic with notes of roses, perfume, and violets, balanced by wood smoke, tar and even tobacco. Nebbiolo has a distinctive brick-orange color and pairs especially well with earthy flavors. A perfect match for truffles, it is also wonderful with braised short ribs, rack of lamb, or mushroom risotto.