What kind of wine is Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto is an elegant Piedmontese red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, sourced from the renowned Occhetti vineyard, located in the municipality of Monteu Roero, in the heart of the Cuneo area. This appellation represents one of the most typical and authentic expressions of Nebbiolo in the Langhe, known for its balanced personality and its ability to combine freshness and structure.

It is a wine with a harmonious and versatile character, perfectly reflecting its territory of origin. Its structure is medium, with soft tannins and a pleasant persistence, making it an ideal companion for the table and an excellent choice for those who wish to approach Nebbiolo with an excellent value-for-money label.

Vintage Details

The 2023 vintage was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with balanced temperatures and excellent day-night temperature excursions, a factor that allowed the aromatic intensity and lively acidity of the grapes to be preserved. Spring rains favored a good water reserve, while the harvest, which took place between late September and early October, ensured perfectly ripe and healthy bunches, capable of producing a Nebbiolo of great finesse and balance.

Vinification and aging

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto is vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve the aromatic purity of the grape variety. Maceration, the contact between skins and must, takes place for several days to delicately extract color and tannins.

After fermentation, the wine ages for about 12 months in oak barrels of different capacities, which contribute to enriching it with complexity and softness, without overpowering the varietal character of Nebbiolo. This is followed by bottle aging for about 4 months before commercialization, to complete its harmony and gustatory balance.

Tasting Notes

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto stands out for its elegance and surprising aromatic depth, typical of great Piedmontese reds. Below are the main sensory characteristics:

Color

It presents a luminous ruby red with delicate garnet reflections, typical of young Nebbiolo. The transparency in the glass reveals the finesse and natural elegance of the grape variety.

Nose

On the nose, floral aromas of violet and rose emerge, followed by fruity notes of cherry and raspberry. With time, more complex nuances of sweet spices and slight hints of licorice open up, testifying to the wood aging.

Taste

On the palate, it offers a balanced structure and a fine, perfectly integrated tannic texture. The taste is harmonious, characterized by good freshness and an elegant persistence, with a pleasantly fruity and slightly spicy finish. It is a wine capable of evolving in the glass, always maintaining an inviting drinkability.

Food Pairings with Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto

The versatility of this wine makes it an ideal pairing with numerous traditional Italian dishes, both meat and pasta. Perfect to accompany a convivial dinner or a special occasion, it pairs well with:

• Typical Piedmontese appetizers such as vitello tonnato and carne cruda all’albese;
• Flavorful first courses such as tagliatelle with mushrooms or risottos with aged cheeses;
• White meats and light roasts, but also delicate game dishes;
• Semi-aged cheeses, which enhance its balance between freshness and tannin.

Storage and Aging

For those who want to know how to store Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 'Occhetti' 2023 - Prunotto, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place away from light, with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C and the bottle laid on its side to keep the cork moist.

Although pleasant even when young, this Nebbiolo can evolve for at least 4-6 years, developing more complex and soft notes. Its freshness and the balance between acidity and tannin allow it to age harmoniously over time, offering surprises to those who choose to wait.