Wines Langhe Elio Altare - Langhe Nebbiolo - 2022

Elio Altare’s Langhe Nebbiolo 2022 is a fine expression of the region’s famed Nebbiolo grape, crafted by one of Piedmont’s most esteemed modernist producers. While the specific blend for this cuvée is not always strictly Nebbiolo, wines labelled as “Langhe Nebbiolo” traditionally showcase the varietal’s classic character—marked by fragrant notes of red cherries, wild strawberries, rose petal, and subtle hints of earthy spice. The 2022 vintage in Piedmont was generally warm and even, allowing early-ripening fruit to retain both impressive aromatics and lively freshness. Elio Altare is renowned for a gentle approach to vinification, often employing shorter maceration periods and ageing in used French oak, all intended to foreground purity of fruit, supple tannins, and drinkability in youth without sacrificing depth.

The Langhe region stretches across the gently rolling hills south of the River Tanaro in Piedmont, a landscape famous not only for its wine but also for truffles and hazelnuts. The soils are predominantly calcareous clay and marl, which, partnered with a continental climate of hot summers, cold winters, and frequent fog, create ideal conditions for Nebbiolo and other local varieties to thrive. Langhe’s history is deeply interwoven with that of Barolo and Barbaresco: the appellation allows more flexibility in winemaking and blending, making these reds approachable earlier and offering a vibrant take on the region’s noble grape.

Given the Langhe Nebbiolo’s elegant structure and inviting freshness, it is a wonderful companion to classic Piedmontese cuisine. Pair it with tajarin (local egg pasta) in a butter and sage sauce, veal tonnato, or agnolotti del plin. Its natural acidity and moderate tannin also make it an excellent match for roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, or simply a board of aged cheeses and cured meats.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine lightly chilled, ideally at 16–18°C. A brief decant (around 30 minutes) can help reveal its delicate aromatics, especially in the wine’s youthful phase. This is a red to enjoy at the table, celebrating the everyday elegance that defines the Langhe tradition.