Langhe Nebbiolo is an accessible entry-point for the so-called "king of grapes" – both stylistically and from a price perspective. Unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, Langhe Nebbiolo doesn't demand years in the cellar. And they almost always deliver excellent value for money.
The wines may be from the broader Langhe area, as opposed to the more narrowly demarcated regions of Barolo and Barbaresco. Or they can be made from declassified wines. The approach depends on the producer. Either way, I find the wines rarely disappoint.
Tasting Note
This is exactly what you expect from Langhe Nebbiolo. It's relatively soft and approachable in its youth, with charming, forward fruit. The 2018 vintage was challenging in Piedmont, producing lighter, elegant wines, but it seems to have suited Langhe Nebbiolo well. A number of strong 2018 releases are now available in market in British Columbia. The Marghe Langhe stands out for its juicy red cherry and raspberry fruit, heightened by floral aromatics, with fine tannins thanks to a shorter maceration time (~12 days) in stainless steel.
Food Pairing
Chicken cacciatore