2022 Langhe Nebbiolo, Prinsiòt, Fratelli Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy

Nebbiolo is the grape behind the Barolo and Barbaresco wines and is hardly ever seen outside the confines of Piedmont. It takes its name from "nebbia" which is Italian for fog, a frequent phenomenon in the region.

Langhe is an all-encompassing zone lying due south of Alba and the River Tanaro in the province of Cuneo. Barolo and Barbaresco both lie within its boundaries. Langhe is also the name of a regional DOC zone, which is used to classify wines made outside of the traditional Piemontese varietal scheme. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines from the region are, for example, classified as Langhe DOC.

A moment’s reflection is required before understanding the wines of Fratelli Alessandria: all the estate’s vines (except their cru Gramolere) are in the commune of Verduno. Not usually bracketed with familiar and renowned communes, the village sits on the north-eastern border of the region. It’s almost more of an extension of neighbouring Roero, with sandier soils and a moderating influence from the Tanaro river. All this adds up to a lighter, more delicate and perfumed style of Barolo – of which Fratelli Alessandria are brilliant exponents.