Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
October 25, 2022
20-Buck Bottle: Nebbiolo from Piemonte that will please many palates
This Italian red is much younger than Barolo — and much more affordable
by Anita Skogland
2020 IOPPA Colline Novaresi DOC Nebbiolo, Romagnano Sesia, Piemonte, Italy
Available at: The Culture Shop
Price: $22.00
On the Nose: Cherry, bright and fresh, violets, hint of cinnamon
On the Palate: Balanced tannins, medium body, medium finish, elegant
On the Plate: Pair with roast turkey, duck, pork loin, hearty risotto, kale or collards casserole
Our Take: A very flexible red that can substitute for a pinot noir or Rioja. Fresh and young, with a lingering finish.
Fun Fact: The Ioppa Winery makes rosé from nebbiolo, as well as a highly acclaimed Barolo. The winery was started in 1852, and has now been in the family for six generations. There are strict rules on the aging of Barolo: the wine must be aged three to five years, and it is recommended that you cellar Barolo for 10 to 15 years. Consequently, many Piemonte winemakers save their very best nebbiolo grapes to make Barolo, but also make a nebbiolo that can be released within a couple of years in order to improve cash flow. The younger nebbiolos do not have the dense tannic structure that Barolo has, and are more appealing to many consumers. In addition, you can access some delicious wine at much lower price points. In Piemonte, nebbiolo is called spanna, a name you will sometimes see on Barolo labels.
