Brezza’s “Santa Rosalia” Nebbiolo d’Alba 2009 was a big hit at our recent tasting of the Wines of Piedmont. The lighter soils, west facing exposure of these small patches of Nebbiolo, in the middle of elite Barolo country, results in a lighter bodied and more fruity style. The first characters are of roses, orange and red fruits, although it opens up slowly to more (it is Nebbiolo, after all!) notes of dried herb, spice and fennel seed. The tannins are Nebbiolo as well, firm but vibrant. The Brezza Nebbiolo d’Alba 2009 is a more open and accessible example ( still recommend decanting this) but certainly has the savoury moreish tarriness that screams out for food….procuitto, roast meat.
