From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste: The wine exhibits a vivid ruby-red hue with hints of garnet, which will become more pronounced as the wine ages. The color intensity is medium, and the clarity is remarkable, indicating a well-crafted and carefully vinified Nebbiolo. The bouquet is expressive and layered, opening with pronounced aromas of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and rose petals, which intermingle with subtler notes of dried herbs, leather, and a whisper of anise. As the wine evolves in the glass, hints of earthy forest floor and a delicate smokiness emerge, adding complexity and intrigue to the aromatic profile. On the palate, the 2020 Terzetto Langhe Nebbiolo is medium-bodied, with a fine balance between silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The red fruit flavors of cherries and raspberries persist, underscored by secondary flavors of licorice, tobacco, and a touch of cocoa. The wine's texture is smooth and inviting, with a mineral undertone that adds depth and character. The finish is long and persistent, echoing the bouquet with a delicate interplay of fruit, earth, and spice.
Pairing: Given its tannin structure and lively acidity, the 2020 Terzetto Langhe Nebbiolo is well-suited to pairing with rich, flavorful dishes. Consider pairing it with hearty meat dishes like osso buco, braised lamb shanks, or roasted game. The wine's earthy notes also make it an excellent companion for mushroom-based dishes, such as mushroom risotto, stuffed mushrooms, or wild mushroom ragout.
Regional Pairings:
For a taste of Piedmontese tradition, pair the Terzetto Langhe Nebbiolo with regional specialties like agnolotti del plin (meat-filled pasta), tajarin al tartufo (thin pasta with truffle), or brasato al Barolo (beef braised in red wine). The wine's acidity and tannins will balance the richness of these dishes while enhancing their flavors.
Vegetarian Pairings:
For vegetarian options, consider dishes with robust flavors and textures that can stand up to the Nebbiolo's structure. A few examples include:
Eggplant Parmesan: The rich, tomato-based sauce and hearty eggplant complement the wine's acidity and tannins while bringing out its fruit flavors.
Lentil and Mushroom Stew: This earthy, flavorful dish highlights the wine's earthy notes and provides a satisfying contrast to its lively acidity.
Grilled Polenta with Wild Mushrooms: The creamy polenta offers a counterpoint to the wine's tannins, while the earthiness of the wild mushrooms harmonizes with the Nebbiolo's terroir-driven character (check out our recipe inspired by this note, below!).
Vegetarian Lasagna: The combination of tomatoes, vegetables, and cheese in a well-prepared vegetarian lasagna provides ample depth and complexity to match the wine's flavor profile.
Remember, when pairing wine with food, personal preferences and experimentation are key. Don't hesitate to think outside the box and explore new combinations that appeal to your unique tastes.
Polenta and Broccoli Rabe Lasagna
By Melissa Clark
About. At Terzetto Winery, traditional winemaking techniques are employed with modern innovations to ensure the preservation of the grape's natural characteristics. The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo is vinified in stainless steel tanks to maintain its freshness and purity of fruit. It is then aged for twelve months in large oak casks (20% new), allowing the wine to develop its complex flavors and tannic structure while preserving its delicate aromatics.
