2022 Prunotto Occhetti Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont

Prunotto Occhetti Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is an elegant and approachable expression of Nebbiolo from the hills of Piedmont, offering the finesse of Barolo’s noble grape without the wait or price tag. Named after the Occhetti vineyard, once a prized site for Barbaresco, this wine is pure, unblended Nebbiolo from a single site — a rarity at this price point and one that speaks volumes about Prunotto’s long-standing pedigree in the Langhe.

Owned by the Antinori family since the 1990s, Prunotto blends traditional Piemontese roots with a polished, modern sensibility. Their aim with the Occhetti bottling is clear: to show Nebbiolo’s aromatic beauty and structure in a wine that’s ready to drink far earlier than its big Barolo and Barbaresco siblings.

In the glass, it’s pale garnet with that telltale Nebbiolo translucence. The nose is all about charm: rose petal, wild cherry, raspberry, orange peel and crushed herbs, with hints of liquorice and dried leaves. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins and bright acidity that keeps everything fresh and vibrant. The finish is long and savoury, with a touch of earth and spice. It’s complex but never heavy — a wine that invites food, conversation and that second glass.

Food pairing: Ideal with porcini risotto, veal scaloppine, tagliatelle with duck ragù or aged alpine cheeses like Fontina or Castelmagno. It also plays well with mushroom-based dishes or truffle pasta.

Cellar potential: Beautiful now, especially with a light decant, but can evolve over 5–7 years as it picks up more earthy, savoury tones and softens further.