2023 Chionetti Langhe Nebbiolo La Chiusa DOCG, Piedmont

Chionetti Langhe Nebbiolo La Chiusa DOCG is a beautifully pure and finely detailed expression of Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont’s most admired traditional family estates. The Chionetti family has been rooted in Dogliani since the late eighteen hundreds and is best known for its deep, soulful Dolcetto, but in recent decades they have quietly established themselves as exceptional Nebbiolo growers as well. La Chiusa comes from hillside vineyards rich in marl, limestone and ancient clay, soils that lend the wine its perfume, precision and classic Nebbiolo structure. Higher elevation, cool breezes and long ripening seasons give the fruit lifted aromatics and beautifully fine tannins, making La Chiusa a wonderfully accessible yet authentically Piedmontese style.

The winemaking is traditional and firmly focused on transparency. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and fermented slowly in stainless steel to capture aromatic lift and varietal purity. Maceration is gentle to preserve finesse in the tannins. Ageing takes place partly in stainless steel and partly in large old botti, which bring subtle oxygenation without adding flavour. This approach protects Nebbiolo’s floral brightness and red fruited clarity while giving the wine the structure and subtle savoury edges that make it unmistakably Piedmont.

In the glass it shows a pale ruby garnet colour. The nose is fragrant and lifted with aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate layered with rose petals, violet, orange peel and a hint of spice. Beneath the freshness lie subtle savoury notes of dried herbs, tea leaf, earth and a faint whisper of leather that echo the Langhe hillsides. As it opens, a mineral red clay note emerges, adding further nuance.

The palate is elegant, bright and beautifully composed. Tart red fruits glide across the tongue supported by lively acidity and finely woven tannins that give classic Nebbiolo grip without harshness. Flavours of cherry, cranberry, redcurrant and subtle plum merge with notes of anise, dried flowers, soft earth and a gentle mineral line. The finish is long, clean and quietly savoury with lingering citrus peel, red fruit and that unmistakable dry, chalk edged Nebbiolo structure. It is a wine that offers immediate drinkability, but it will also develop added depth and savoury complexity over five to eight years.

Pair it with truffle risotto, tajarin pasta with butter and sage, porcini dishes, roast chicken, braised rabbit, grilled lamb cutlets, lighter game preparations or charcuterie. It’s also superb with aged cheeses or simple tomato based dishes where acidity and freshness are key.