When you make purchases through our links we may earn a small commission.

Perfect Pairings For Nebbiolo Wines

Avery Wiseman

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Get the most out of your favorite Nebbiolo with these perfect pairings.

The History of Nebbiolo Wines

Nebbiolo is a red wine grape variety that is grown primarily in the Piedmont region of Italy. The grape is the primary variety used to produce Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy’s most famous and highly regarded red wines.

The exact origin of Nebbiolo is uncertain, but it is believed to have been grown in the Piedmont region for several centuries. The name “Nebbiolo” is thought to derive from the Italian word “nebbia,” which means “fog.” The grape is believed to have earned this name due to its tendency to ripen late in the growing season, when the Piedmont region is often shrouded in fog.

In the 19th century, Nebbiolo became one of the most sought-after wine grapes in Italy, due in part to the popularity of Barolo and Barbaresco. These two wines were considered to be some of the finest in the country, and were highly sought after by wine connoisseurs and collectors.

During the mid-20th century, the popularity of Nebbiolo waned, due in part to the damage inflicted on the Piedmont region during World War II. However, by the 1970s and 1980s, a resurgence in the popularity of Nebbiolo was underway, as winemakers began to rediscover the grape and its potential for producing high-quality, full-bodied red wines.

Today, Nebbiolo is considered to be one of Italy’s premier grape varieties, and is grown in several other regions of the country, including Lombardy, Valle d’Aosta, and Campania. In addition to Barolo and Barbaresco, Nebbiolo is also used to produce several other wines, including Gattinara, Langhe Nebbiolo, and Roero.

Nebbiolo wines are known for their full-bodied, complex flavors, and are often described as having a combination of fruit, floral, and spicy notes. The grapes tend to produce wines that are high in both acidity and tannins, which gives them a firm structure and the ability to age well.

When grown in the right conditions, Nebbiolo grapes can produce wines that are truly exceptional, with a depth of flavor and a long finish that is unmatched by other varieties. The best Nebbiolo wines are known for their ability to evolve and change over time, developing deeper, more complex flavors as they age.

In conclusion, Nebbiolo is a red wine grape variety with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of Italy’s finest red wines. Today, it is considered to be one of the country’s premier grape varieties, and is grown in several regions across Italy. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, Nebbiolo is a variety that is well worth discovering.

The Perfect Pairings for Nebbiolo Wines

Nebbiolo is a full-bodied red wine with high acidity and firm tannins. It is grown primarily in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is used to make some of the country’s most renowned wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.

Nebbiolo’s robust tannins and high acidity make it an ideal pairing with rich, hearty dishes, such as braised meats, roasted game, and aged cheeses.

Braised Meats

Nebbiolo’s tannins and high acidity make it a perfect match for braised meats, such as beef short ribs or lamb shanks. The wine’s tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat and balance the flavors, while the acidity refreshes the palate.

Nebbiolo wine pairs well with braised meats that have rich, flavorful profiles and tender textures. Beef short ribs, osso buco, duck confit, lamb shanks, and pork shoulder are all excellent choices to pair with Nebbiolo wine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, these meats and Nebbiolo wine make for a perfect pairing that is sure to please your palate.

Beef Short Ribs: Beef short ribs are a classic pairing for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, tender meat and the bold flavors of the wine complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the beef is a great match for the wine’s tannins and fruitiness.

Osso Buco: Osso buco, a classic Italian dish of braised veal shanks, is another perfect match for Nebbiolo wine. The tender, flavorful meat and the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors come together in a satisfying and delicious pairing.

Duck Confit: Duck confit is another excellent pairing for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, savory flavors of the duck are complemented by the wine’s fruitiness, acidity, and tannins, creating a well-balanced and delicious pairing.

Lamb Shank: Braised lamb shanks are a great match for Nebbiolo wine. The tender, flavorful meat and the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is another excellent pairing for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, savory flavors of the pork are complemented by the wine’s fruitiness, acidity, and tannins, creating a well-balanced and delicious pairing. The bold flavors of the wine also help to cut through the richness of the pork, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Roasted Game Meats

Roasted game meats, such as venison or wild boar, also pair well with Nebbiolo. The wine’s robust flavors can stand up to the strong, earthy flavors of the game, while the tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat.

Nebbiolo wine pairs well with roasted game meats that have rich, flavorful profiles and tender textures. Pheasant, venison, wild boar, quail, and rabbit are all excellent choices to pair with Nebbiolo wine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, these meats and Nebbiolo wine make for a perfect pairing that is sure to please your palate.

Pheasant: Pheasant is a great match for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, gamey flavors of the pheasant are complemented by the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity also help to cut through the richness of the pheasant, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Venison: Venison is another excellent pairing for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, flavorful meat and the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine’s tannins also help to cut through the richness of the venison, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Wild Boar: Wild boar is a great match for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, gamey flavors of the wild boar are complemented by the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity also help to cut through the richness of the wild boar, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Quail: Quail is another excellent pairing for Nebbiolo wine. The tender, flavorful meat and the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity also help to cut through the richness of the quail, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Rabbit: Rabbit is a great match for Nebbiolo wine. The rich, gamey flavors of the rabbit are complemented by the wine’s bold, full-bodied flavors, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity also help to cut through the richness of the rabbit, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Aged Cheeses

Nebbiolo’s tannins and high acidity make it a good match for aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The wine’s flavors complement the nutty, salty flavors of the cheese, while the acidity helps to balance the richness.

These aged cheeses pair well with Nebbiolo wine due to their complementary flavor profiles and ability to balance the wine’s boldness. Whether you prefer sharp, tangy cheeses like Pecorino Romano or creamy, nutty cheeses like Fontina, there’s a cheese for every Nebbiolo lover.

Pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a sharp, salty sheep’s milk cheese that pairs well with the bold tannins and high acidity of Nebbiolo. The cheese’s tanginess cuts through the wine’s intensity, making for a harmonious combination.

Gorgonzola: Gorgonzola is a creamy, blue-veined cheese that offers a good balance of richness and tanginess. Its bold flavor profile complements the Nebbiolo’s boldness, while the cheese’s creaminess softens the wine’s tannins.

Parmigiano Reggiano: Parmigiano Reggiano is a nutty, hard cheese that is often referred to as the “King of Cheeses”. Its savory flavors complement the Nebbiolo’s rich fruit and spice notes, while its salty, nutty notes balance out the wine’s high acidity.

Taleggio: Taleggio is a soft, washed-rind cheese with a tangy, earthy flavor. It pairs well with Nebbiolo’s bold tannins and high acidity, as the cheese’s rich, buttery notes soften the wine’s intensity.

Fontina: Fontina is a nutty, semi-firm cheese with a mild flavor. Its creamy texture and nutty notes complement the Nebbiolo’s bold fruit and spice notes, while its mildness balances out the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Truffles

The Piedmont region of Italy, where Nebbiolo is grown, is also famous for its truffles. Nebbiolo’s flavors pair well with the earthy, pungent flavors of truffles, making it an excellent choice for a truffle-based pasta dish or risotto.

These truffles pair well with Nebbiolo wine due to their complementary flavor profiles and ability to balance the wine’s boldness. Whether you prefer the bold earthy flavors of black truffles or the subtle sweetness of Perigord truffles, there’s a truffle for every Nebbiolo lover. Enjoying these two together is a luxurious and decadent experience for any occasion.

White Truffles: White truffles are prized for their earthy, musky flavor and aroma. They pair well with Nebbiolo wine due to their rich, robust flavor profile. The wine’s bold tannins and high acidity complement the truffle’s intense earthy notes, making for a harmonious combination.

Black Truffles: Black truffles have a rich, earthy flavor and aroma, with hints of nuttiness. Their bold flavors pair well with the Nebbiolo’s bold fruit and spice notes, while the wine’s high acidity balances the truffle’s rich, earthy flavors.

Summer Truffles: Summer truffles are lighter and milder in flavor than black or white truffles. Their delicate, earthy flavor complements the Nebbiolo’s fruit and spice notes, while their mildness balances the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Burgundy Truffles: Burgundy truffles have a rich, earthy flavor with hints of nuttiness and a subtle sweetness. Their rich, bold flavors pair well with the Nebbiolo’s bold fruit and spice notes, while their nuttiness and subtle sweetness balance the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Perigord Truffles: Perigord truffles have a strong, earthy flavor with a nutty sweetness. They pair well with Nebbiolo wine due to their bold flavor profile and ability to balance the wine’s tannins and acidity. The truffle’s nutty sweetness complements the wine’s fruit and spice notes, making for a harmonious combination.

Mushrooms

Nebbiolo’s earthy, leathery flavors also pair well with mushroom dishes, such as a wild mushroom risotto or grilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s tannins help to cut through the earthiness of the mushrooms and balance the flavors.

These mushroom dishes pair well with Nebbiolo wine due to their complementary flavor profiles and ability to balance the wine’s boldness. Whether you prefer grilled portobello mushrooms or a rich and creamy wild mushroom soup, there’s a mushroom dish for every Nebbiolo lover. Enjoying these two together is a delicious and comforting experience for any occasion.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps: Grilled Portobello mushroom caps have a meaty texture and smoky, earthy flavor that pairs well with Nebbiolo’s bold fruit and spice notes. The wine’s high acidity and bold tannins balance the mushroom’s richness, making for a harmonious combination.

Mushroom Risotto: Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting dish made with a variety of mushrooms, including shiitake, cremini, and button. Its earthy, savory flavor complements the Nebbiolo’s fruit and spice notes, while its creamy texture balances the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Roasted Mushroom and Onion Tart: Roasted mushroom and onion tart is a flavorful dish made with a mixture of mushrooms and caramelized onions. Its earthy, savory flavors complement the Nebbiolo’s fruit and spice notes, while its richness balances the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: Mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin is a flavorful dish made with a mixture of mushrooms and herbs. The dish’s earthy, savory flavors complement the Nebbiolo’s fruit and spice notes, while its richness balances the wine’s tannins and acidity.

Wild Mushroom Soup: Wild mushroom soup is a flavorful dish made with a variety of wild mushrooms, including morel, chanterelle, and porcini. Its earthy, savory flavor complements the Nebbiolo’s fruit and spice notes, while its creamy texture balances the wine’s tannins and acidity.

In addition to these dishes, Nebbiolo can also be paired with rich, tomato-based sauces, such as a hearty ragu or a rich tomato sauce. The wine’s high acidity helps to balance the flavors of the tomatoes and bring out their sweetness.

When selecting a Nebbiolo to pair with food, it is important to consider the wine’s age. Younger Nebbiolos tend to be more tannic and acidic, making them better suited for hearty dishes with strong flavors. Older Nebbiolos tend to be smoother and more balanced, making them a good match for more delicate dishes.

In conclusion, Nebbiolo is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from hearty braised meats to rich, earthy mushroom dishes. Its tannins and high acidity make it an excellent choice for rich, flavorful dishes, while its age and complexity make it a good match for more delicate dishes. Whether you’re serving a simple weeknight meal or a multi-course feast, Nebbiolo is a wine that is sure to impress.

Top-Rated Nebbiolo's (By Region)

The perfect climate for growing Nebbiolo grapes is one with a long growing season that allows the grapes to fully ripen while retaining their acidity. The ideal climate for growing Nebbiolo grapes is a continental climate with hot summers, cool nights, and well-draining soil.

Lodi

Lodi, California is known for producing high-quality, flavorful Nebbiolo wines. Here are a few of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Lodi:

Anaya-Potrero Vineyards Clement Hills-Lodi Nebbiolo ($48) – The 2019 Nebbiolo is a 100% pure specimen of the grape. It doesn’t come out like gangbusters, which is also a true sensory expression of the varietal, especially when bottling is less than 10 years old. The Anaya’s color is brick-ish ruby; not transparent, but not particularly deep. The nose is subtle, like the awkward girl hiding in the back of group pictures: a floral scent suggesting rose petals, the sweetness of raspberry/cherry, and a backdrop of oak suggesting vanilla and cigar box.

Stama Winery Nebbiolo ($) – Stama Winery produces a Nebbiolo wine that is full-bodied and bold, with juicy fruit and spice notes. This wine has a smooth, well-rounded texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Bokisch Vineyards Teroldego Rotaliano ($) – Bokisch Vineyards’ Teroldego Rotaliano is a highly-acclaimed Nebbiolo wine that showcases the grape’s bold fruit and spice notes, with a hint of earthiness. This wine has a smooth, full-bodied texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Michael David Winery 7 Deadly Zins ($) – Michael David Winery’s Seven Deadly Zins is a highly-acclaimed Nebbiolo wine that showcases the grape’s bold fruit and spice notes, with a hint of earthiness. This wine has a smooth, full-bodied texture and a long, satisfying finish.

McCay Cellars Nebbiolo ($) – McCay Cellars produces a Nebbiolo wine that is full-bodied and bold, with juicy fruit and spice notes. This wine has a smooth, well-rounded texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Mexico

Nebbiolo is a red grape variety originating from the Piedmont region of Italy, known for producing some of the country’s most renowned wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In Mexico, while Nebbiolo is not widely grown, there are a few producers that offer high-quality wines made from this grape.

Some of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Mexico include:

Bodegas Santo Tomás ($) – This winery located in the Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, produces a range of red wines including a Nebbiolo. Their Nebbiolo is known for its complexity and balance, with notes of red fruit, licorice, and spice.

Viñas de Garza ($) – This winery located in Ensenada, Baja California, also produces a Nebbiolo wine with a fruit-forward profile, with notes of cherries, raspberries, and spice. The wine has a smooth, elegant mouthfeel with well-integrated tannins.

Finca La Carrodilla ($) – This winery located in the region of San Juan de las Huertas, Oaxaca, produces a Nebbiolo with a distinct Mexican character. The wine has a deep ruby color and is characterized by its ripe fruit flavors, with hints of black currant, plum, and vanilla.

Napa

Napa Valley, California is known for producing some of the world’s finest wines, including high-quality Nebbiolo wines. Here are a few of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Napa:

B Cellars Blend 24 Nebbiolo ($) – B Cellars Blend 24 Nebbiolo is a full-bodied wine with bold fruit and spice notes, a hint of earthiness, and a smooth, full-bodied texture. This wine is made from grapes grown in the best vineyard sites in Napa Valley, ensuring the highest quality and flavor.

Clos Pegase Winery Mitsuko’s Vineyard Nebbiolo ($) – Clos Pegase Winery’s Mitsuko’s Vineyard Nebbiolo is a highly-acclaimed wine that showcases the grape’s bold fruit and spice notes, with a hint of earthiness. This wine has a smooth, full-bodied texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Castello di Amorosa Nebbiolo ($) – Castello di Amorosa produces a Nebbiolo wine that is full-bodied and bold, with juicy fruit and spice notes. This wine has a smooth, well-rounded texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya Nebbiolo ($) – Dalla Valle Vineyards’ Maya Nebbiolo is a highly-acclaimed wine that showcases the grape’s bold fruit and spice notes, with a hint of earthiness. This wine has a smooth, full-bodied texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Revana Family Vineyards Nebbiolo ($) – Revana Family Vineyards produces a Nebbiolo wine that is full-bodied and bold, with juicy fruit and spice notes. This wine has a smooth, well-rounded texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Oregon

Oregon is a well-regarded wine-producing region in the United States, and while Nebbiolo is not widely grown, there are a few producers that offer high-quality wines made from this grape. Some of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Oregon include:

Raptor Ridge Winery ($) – This winery located in the Willamette Valley produces a Nebbiolo that is known for its balance and elegance. The wine has a deep ruby color and features flavors of red fruit, licorice, and spice, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

Bergström Wines ($) – This winery located in the Willamette Valley produces a Nebbiolo that is widely regarded as one of the best in Oregon. The wine is characterized by its rich and intense flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, plum, and vanilla, and has a full-bodied mouthfeel with silky tannins.

Sineann Winery ($) – This winery located in the Columbia Valley produces a Nebbiolo that is known for its depth and richness. The wine is made in a traditional Italian style, with a focus on aging in large oak barrels, and has a deep ruby color and flavors of black fruit, spice, and leather.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California is a renowned wine region that is known for producing some of the best wines in the state. Here are some of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Santa Barbara:

Presqu’ile Winery Nebbiolo ($) – Presqu’ile Winery is a family-owned winery located in Santa Maria Valley that produces a high-quality Nebbiolo. This wine is known for its bold fruit notes, earthy character, and full-bodied texture.

Ojai Vineyard Nebbiolo ($) – Ojai Vineyard is a well-known winery in the Santa Barbara region that produces a high-quality Nebbiolo. This wine has a bright, fruity character, with notes of cherry and plum, and a full-bodied texture.

Kunin Wines Nebbiolo ($) – Kunin Wines is a winery located in the Santa Ynez Valley that produces a Nebbiolo wine known for its bold fruit and spice notes, and its full-bodied texture.

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard Nebbiolo ($) – Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is a well-known winery in the Santa Barbara region that produces a Nebbiolo wine. This wine is known for its bright fruit character, with notes of cherry and plum, and a full-bodied texture.

Margerum Wine Company Nebbiolo ($) – Margerum Wine Company is a winery located in the Santa Barbara region that produces a Nebbiolo wine known for its bright fruit and spice notes, and its full-bodied texture.

Sonoma

Sonoma, California is another premier wine region known for producing world-class wines, including Nebbiolo. Here are some of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Sonoma:

Peay Vineyards Estate Nebbiolo ($) – Peay Vineyards Estate Nebbiolo is made from grapes grown on the winery’s estate vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. This wine is known for its bright fruit notes, earthy character, and full-bodied texture.

Saintsbury Nebbiolo ($) – Saintsbury is a well-known winery in the Carneros region of Sonoma, known for producing high-quality Nebbiolo. This wine has a bright, fruity character, with notes of cherry and plum, and a full-bodied texture.

Copain Wines Tous Ensemble Nebbiolo ($) – Copain Wines produces a Nebbiolo wine called Tous Ensemble, which is made from grapes grown in the Anderson Valley. This wine has a bright fruit character, with notes of cherry and plum, and a full-bodied texture.

Matrix Winery Nebbiolo ($) – Matrix Winery produces a Nebbiolo wine that is known for its bold fruit and spice notes, and its full-bodied texture. This wine is made from grapes grown in the Russian River Valley, one of Sonoma’s premier wine regions.

Scribe Winery Estate Nebbiolo ($) – Scribe Winery is a biodynamic winery located in the Sonoma Valley, known for producing high-quality Nebbiolo. This wine has a bright fruit character, with notes of cherry and plum, and a full-bodied texture.

Washington

Washington state is a well-known wine-producing region in the United States, and while Nebbiolo is not widely grown, there are a few producers that offer high-quality wines made from this grape. Some of the best Nebbiolo wines available in Washington include:

Gramercy Cellars ($) – This winery located in the Walla Walla Valley produces a Nebbiolo wine that is known for its elegance and balance. The wine has a deep ruby color and features flavors of red fruit, licorice, and spice, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

Gamache Vintners ($) – This winery located in the Columbia Valley produces a Nebbiolo that is widely regarded as one of the best in Washington state. The wine is characterized by its rich and intense flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, plum, and vanilla, and has a full-bodied mouthfeel with silky tannins.

Cote Bonneville ($) – This winery located in the Columbia Valley produces a Nebbiolo that is known for its richness and depth. The wine is made in a traditional Italian style, with a focus on aging in large oak barrels, and has a deep ruby color and flavors of black fruit, spice, and leather.