Discover the rich autumn flavours of Steenberg Nebbiolo, the Italian grape variety that thrives in the granite soils of the farm’s phenomenal cool climate terroir in the Constantia Wine Valley.
Originating in the Piedmont region on Northern Italy, Nebbiolo is considered one of the great Italian grape varieties. Made in different styles from the formidable full-bodied Barolo to the more elegant and less austere Barbaresco, all Nebbiolo wines share the common thread of natural tartness and grippy tannins. Rooted in the heart of truffle and porcini country, Nebbiolo is fruit forward, yet earthy and fits like a glove with these flavourful culinary gems foraged on the forest floor during autumn.
Steenberg Nebbiolo from the standout 2017 vintage is especially delicious. Ruby red with a typically bright hue, the wine’s autumn palette is underpinned by notes of strawberry, dried cranberry and cherry juxtaposed with the earthiness of truffles and mountain fynbos. The well-rounded, fuller mouthfeel sets the wine apart as a smooth and palate warming wine.
“Returning to this wine years after bottling proves yet again what a great vintage 2017 was for reds in Constantia,” says Steenberg Cellarmaster Elunda Basson who enjoys Nebbiolo most in typical Italian fashion with artisanal charcuterie, parmigiana and risotto as well as spicy Asian food.
Chef Kerry Kilpin at Bistro Sixteen82, Steenberg’s much loved cellar door restaurant, shares her recipe of deliciously rich mushroom, pancetta and truffle oil risotto that is sure to satisfy autumn palates with a glass or two of Nebbiolo. I will post the recipe on the next post. Delicious!
Steenberg Nebbiolo 2017 is available at a cellar door price of R285 at the Steenberg Tasting Room. For online purchases, visit https://www.steenbergfarm.com/buy-wine-online/.