Nebbiolo

The star of Barolo, Barbaresco and the Piemonte region of Italy has a reputation for being hard and charmless when young but then blossoming into a beautiful, aromatic and complex red wine. Wines vary surprisingly widely because the vine is very fussy about its soil composition, but a good plot will grow grapes that make among the most beguiling red wines in the world – all “tar’n’roses” according to some! Away from Italy you will find decent examples from Mexico and Australia. Also known as Spanna in parts of Piemonte.

Photo credit: Paolo Conterno