2023 Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont

Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo DOC from Piedmont is a wine that packs all the elegance of Barolo but with a more approachable, fun twist. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the complexity and flavor of Nebbiolo without waiting for years of aging, this is your wine. From the famous Cordero di Montezemolo winery, which has been producing world-class wines in the heart of the Langhe for centuries, this Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is a great introduction to one of Italy's finest grape varieties.

The winery itself has a rich history, dating back to 1340, and is run by Enrico Cordero, who’s passionate about preserving tradition while embracing modern winemaking techniques. This Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is made from younger Nebbiolo vines, so it’s a little more vibrant and accessible than its more powerful Barolo siblings. But don’t be fooled—just because it’s easy-drinking doesn’t mean it lacks depth and complexity.

The wine is made from hand-harvested Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Langhe region, which is perfect for Nebbiolo with its rolling hills, great exposure, and a combination of soils that give the wine its characteristic richness and structure. It’s aged in a mix of French oak barrels and large casks, which helps bring out some of the subtle spice and tobacco notes without overpowering the fresh fruit.

In the glass, Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo DOC has a beautiful, bright ruby-red color. On the nose, it’s all about juicy red berries—think cherry, raspberry, and even a bit of strawberry—mixed with a touch of floral notes like rose petals and violets. As it opens up, you’ll get a whiff of earthy aromas like truffle and a slight hint of spice, which adds to its complexity.

On the palate, this Nebbiolo is medium-bodied with smooth, velvety tannins and that perfect balance of fruit and acidity. The red fruit flavors shine through, but there’s also a bit of spice and a slight earthy, herbal undertone that gives the wine some extra depth. The finish is smooth, with lingering notes of fruit and a little bit of dried herbs, leaving a satisfying, clean aftertaste.

Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is a fun, food-friendly wine that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes. It’s fantastic with Italian classics like pasta with tomato-based sauces, roasted meats, or even a pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. It’s also great with charcuterie and aged cheeses. It’s a wine that’s ready to drink now but still has enough structure to age for a few years, so you can enjoy it at different stages of its life.