2022 Babo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont

Babo is the Italian project of Australian winemaker Justin Bubb, who turned his attention to Piedmont after years working across some of Europe’s great wine regions. The idea behind Babo is refreshingly straightforward: work with good vineyards and local growers, then make wines that feel unmistakably Italian while retaining brightness and immediate drinking appeal. The Langhe Nebbiolo captures the fragrant, savoury side of Piedmont without the formidable structure or waiting game of young Barolo.

The rolling Langhe hills provide an intricate patchwork of exposures and calcareous soils ideally suited to Nebbiolo. The 2022 season was notably warm and dry, so careful vineyard selection was crucial. The resulting wine leans into ripe red fruit while retaining the acidity and fine tannin that give Nebbiolo its wonderful shape at the table.

Bright garnet with a translucent ruby edge, the nose opens with sour cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry before rose petal, dried orange peel and anise appear. With air come hints of black tea, dried herbs and warm earth. The palate is juicy and fragrant, with red cherry and cranberry riding on lively acidity and fine, lightly dusty tannins. Blood orange, liquorice and savoury spice emerge through the middle before a dry, mouthwatering finish.

Put this beside porcini risotto, veal cotoletta with lemon, tajarin with sage and butter, pork and fennel sausages or a plate of truffle salami and Parmigiano. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.