Barolo is definitely one of my top 5 wine regions, both in terms of places I’ve visited but also the wines. However, I’m always on the look out to see how Nebbiolo does elsewhere, whether it be in another country/region or other parts of Piedmont. I’m looking for cheaper options and options to drink younger since Barolo often needs aging.
Piedmont Alternatives
This time around I found a few Piedmont alternatives. I found a grape variety from the region I had never tried plus two sub-regions for Nebbiolo.
Most of Piedmont wines are around the towns of Asti and Alba. Around Alba is where Barolo and Barbaresco are. However, north of Asti and Alba are many other Nebbiolo growing sub-regions such as Canavese and Carema. To the northeast, there are also the Alto-Piemonte regions of Gattinara, Fara, Ghemme, Sizzano, Boca, Lessona, Bramaterra, and Colline Novaresi. I’ve tried at least a few of these regions before, but this time I picked up one wine from Colline Novaresi and one from Carema. Here’s a good map of the various regions/DOCGs.
In addition, I found a wine made from the grape Brachetto, which is usually made into a sparkling red wine in the region of Brachetto d’Acqui, just east of Barolo. I found a still, dry version.
Tasting Notes
2019 Produttori di Carema Carema Riserva Piedmont
Aged in medium-sized barrels. Tar, tobacco, rose,leather and mint on the nose. The palate is tart red plum and berries. Tannins are present but approachable. Lighter body overall compared to Barolo. Still, this needs food. All the varietal characteristics but in a lighter, less ripe package. Good length. Savory backend. I want a little more on the midpalate. Again, this is something that will shine better with food. This was $35 and the most expensive of the three. 89
2019 Scarpa La Selva di Moirano Brachetto Piedmont
The color is really light and clear with orange rims like a really old Nebbiolo or Pinot. There’s definitely a dried fruit and raisiny side to the fruit and it’s a light and fruity wine for the most part but the tart acidity keeps it from being too raisiny. There’s a bit of fresh herbs too, but otherwise it’s fruity and tart wine. Low alcohol. Easy to drink with some pizza on a weekday. If you drink it cold, it acts more like Beaujolais or light Pinot. Floral. The grape is usually made into a sparkling, so it makes sense to drink it chilled. It could also be past its prime. 88
2020 Rovellotti Valplazza Colline Novaresi
100% Nebbiolo. Aged in botti. A little darker in color and fruit profile than average with red fruit, floral notes and herbal spice on the open and expressive nose. The palate shows dark red fruit, tobacco, noticeable but approachable tannins with food. Medium-bodied with Medium-acidity. Decent length. This is one I’d confuse with Sangiovese because of its Mediterranean herbs character but the tannins, while seemingly light, I feel would push me to lean towards Nebbiolo. A well priced Nebbiolo. This was the cheapest of the three at 21 bucks. 91