Fontanabianca Langhe Nebbiolo 2024

Fontanabianca Langhe Nebbiolo 2024 pours a luminous ruby with garnet edges, characteristic of Nebbiolo’s naturally lighter pigmentation. Aromatically, the wine opens with red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, followed by classic floral notes of rose petal and violet. Subtle hints of dried herbs, anise, and earthy spice add depth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Bright red fruit flavors dominate initially, transitioning into savory undertones of leather, tobacco leaf, and mineral-driven structure. Nebbiolo’s hallmark acidity provides lift and precision, keeping the wine vibrant despite its structural backbone. Oak influence is restrained, allowing the grape’s aromatic profile to remain central. The finish is dry, persistent, and slightly grippy, with lingering red fruit and spice. Serve at 60–65°F and consider decanting briefly to soften youthful tannins and enhance aromatic expression.

Nebbiolo’s firm tannins and bright acidity make it exceptionally food-friendly. Pair with braised short ribs, osso buco, or slow-roasted pork to complement its structure. The wine’s acidity cuts through rich, savory dishes while its tannins harmonize with protein. It is also a natural companion to mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino. Traditional Piedmontese dishes like tajarin with ragù or vitello tonnato work beautifully. For a more casual pairing, try wood-fired pizza with prosciutto or roasted vegetables. Fontanabianca Langhe Nebbiolo thrives in structured, savory settings where acidity and tannin can shine.

Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, is one of the country’s most prestigious wine regions and the historic home of the Nebbiolo grape. The Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are defined by rolling slopes, calcareous clay soils, and a continental climate marked by warm summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature shifts. Morning fog—“nebbia,” from which Nebbiolo takes its name—often blankets the vineyards in autumn, contributing to the grape’s long ripening cycle and aromatic complexity.

While Barolo and Barbaresco represent Nebbiolo’s most powerful and age-worthy expressions, Langhe DOC offers a more approachable interpretation of the variety. Langhe Nebbiolo is typically crafted from younger vines or parcels outside the stricter Barolo and Barbaresco zones, allowing producers to showcase Nebbiolo’s floral lift and bright fruit with slightly softer structure.

Fontanabianca is a family-run estate based in Neive, within the Barbaresco area. The winery focuses on estate-grown fruit and traditional Piedmontese methods, emphasizing transparency of terroir. Sustainable vineyard practices and careful canopy management ensure balanced ripening, while restrained oak aging preserves varietal purity. The 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo reflects this philosophy—elegant, structured, and expressive of Piedmont’s limestone-rich soils and cool-climate precision.