2023 Albino Rocca Langhe Nebbiolo Rosso di Rocca, Piedmont

The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Rosso di Rocca is a delightful wine to drink now and over the next few years. Strawberry, red cherry, rose petals and orange peel give the 2023 a lovely aromatic presence to match its understated personality. This floral, light-bodied Nebbiolo will also make a fine choice for warm-weather drinking if chilled.

89 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

Rosso di Rocca is 97% Nebbiolo with a smattering of Cabernet Franc. The Nebbiolo hails from a vineyard at Magliano Alfieri in the first hills of the Roero region. The vines were planted in 1967 and 2002, and the parcel was purchased by the family in 2016. The Cabernet Franc comes from 20-year-old estate vines in Barbaresco. 

Roero’s sandy soils gift a lighter, brighter, earlier-drinking wine than the Rocca Nebbiolo d’Alba—a Nebbiolo party in a glass. The wine’s upbringing (solely in tank) and early bottling helps keep to this theme, and 2022 is another cracking rendition. 

It’s super-bright, perfumed and crackling with energy, with a swish of blood orange in front of blue fruits, steely minerality and savoury spices. Succulent and structured, it’s an approachable and harmonious Nebbiolo with fresh acidity, powdery tannins and impressive fruit concentration. A fabulous introduction to the beautiful world of Piemonte Nebbiolo, and superb value to boot.

Albino Rocca Langhe Nebbiolo Rosso di Rocca from Piedmont is a fresh and approachable take on one of Italy’s most noble grapes. This wine offers all the charm and perfume of Nebbiolo without the intensity or price tag of Barolo, making it an ideal introduction to the variety or a midweek go-to for seasoned fans.

The Rocca family has been crafting wines in Barbaresco for generations and Rosso di Rocca is their way of showcasing Nebbiolo in a softer, more fruit-forward style. Fruit is sourced from younger vines and earlier picks across their estate vineyards, then fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in large neutral oak to preserve purity and freshness.

Aromas of red cherry, rose petal, dried herbs and a hint of spice leap from the glass. On the palate it's medium bodied with fine dusty tannins, vibrant acidity and notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and a whisper of earthy minerality. It’s elegant but easygoing with a savoury edge that makes it endlessly food friendly.

Pair it with truffle pasta, mushroom risotto, roast duck or aged pecorino. Chill it slightly for extra freshness and let it shine with simple, rustic dishes.