Le Filere Nebbiolo Langhe

Le Filere Nebbiolo is a red wine made from Nebbiolo, a grape known for pale garnet color, high acidity and firm tannin. It is listed here under Esplanda, with Massachusetts as the stated origin. Nebbiolo wines usually show red cherry, dried rose petal, tar and licorice, and a savory, earthy edge as the fruit settles. The exact aromas in this bottle will depend on the vintage and how it was made. A Nebbiolo from a cooler Northeast growing region would typically lean toward tart red fruit and lively acidity rather than heavy ripeness. Expect a medium to medium-plus body that feels lighter than its grip suggests. The tannins in this grape are typically drying and fine-grained, and the acidity is bright enough to make the wine taste fresh with food. Oak influence varies a lot in Nebbiolo, from neutral older barrels to new wood with vanilla and spice. Treat any oak character as something to check on the bottle's back label or with the producer. The finish in this style tends to be moderate to long, ending on dried cherry, spice and a slight bitterness. At the table, Nebbiolo suits dishes with fat, salt or umami that soften its tannin. Mushroom risotto, roast chicken with herbs, braised short rib, duck, aged hard cheeses and pasta with butter and shaved truffle or sage are all good matches. Tomato-based dishes also work well, because the wine's acidity keeps pace with the sauce. Light, delicate fish and very spicy food tend to clash with the tannin. Serve it at about 60 to 65°F, which is cool cellar temperature. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening is usually enough. A young bottle often benefits from 30 to 60 minutes in a decanter, or at least a vigorous pour, to loosen the tannin and bring out the aromatics. A large-bowled glass, such as a Burgundy-style or wide red wine glass, gives the perfumed notes room to open. Wines in this style often reward a few years of bottle age, since time softens the tannin and adds tertiary notes. With the right food and a decant, a bottle opened young can still be enjoyable.