Elio Altare
Langhe Nebbiolo
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
An all-time favorite Langhe Nebbiolo from Barolo Boy Elio Altare. If you’re a traditionalist fan, you’d be making a big mistake to steer clear of this offering. Other than a bit of vanilla, which adds a new layer to this ultra-bright wine, oak influence is not overwhelming. Instead, there’s an explosion of bright cherry, rhubarb, fresh anise, cola, blood orange peel, and violets. High acid and tannins for sure, perhaps some whole cluster influence. It’s piercing purity is unmatched. Everyday wine pricing. What’s not to love?
An all-time favorite Langhe Nebbiolo from Barolo Boy Elio Altare. If you’re a traditionalist fan, you’d be making a big mistake to steer clear of this offering. Other than a bit of vanilla, which adds a new layer to this ultra-bright wine, oak influence is not overwhelming. Instead, there’s an explosion of bright cherry, rhubarb, fresh anise, cola, blood orange peel, and violets. High acid and tannins for sure, perhaps some whole cluster influence. It’s piercing purity is unmatched. Everyday wine pricing. What’s not to love?
Feb 13th, 2021I’ve tried dozens of Langhe Nebbiolos over the years, and this one from Elio Altare is tops (or close). Bright red cherry, smooth menthol, just lovely... and not too much overt oak notes for those of us who are traditionalists.
I’ve tried dozens of Langhe Nebbiolos over the years, and this one from Elio Altare is tops (or close). Bright red cherry, smooth menthol, just lovely... and not too much overt oak notes for those of us who are traditionalists.
1 person found it helpfulJan 15th, 2021
Really bright berry fruit on the nose and front end. That gives way to the classic leathery, tobacco, earthy flavors of the area. Really great acid structure.
Really bright berry fruit on the nose and front end. That gives way to the classic leathery, tobacco, earthy flavors of the area. Really great acid structure.
1 person found it helpfulAug 1st, 2020Bloody delicious. Looks a lot heavier than it is
Bloody delicious. Looks a lot heavier than it is
1 person found it helpfulMay 23rd, 2020Love Elio Altare wines, one of my favorite Piedmont producers. Entry level nebbiolo that drinks way above it’s price point. Think value priced Barbaresco.
Love Elio Altare wines, one of my favorite Piedmont producers. Entry level nebbiolo that drinks way above it’s price point. Think value priced Barbaresco.
Oct 25th, 2023
A lively and complex Nebbiolo under $30. Ruby in the glass, the wine smells of tart cranberries and cherries, flamed orange peel and struck match, cedar, rose petals, menthol, and fresh asphalt. The mid-palate and finish carry these forward along with a lovely crushed rock dimension that gives the wine added complexity and intrigue. The acidity is well-balanced by the taught fruit flavors, though the wine’s tannins and noticeable alcohol may do well with some additional years of bottle aging before they integrate fully. Cellar for an additional 3-5 years or drink now with polenta, sautéed mushrooms, and Moliterno al Tartufo.
A lively and complex Nebbiolo under $30. Ruby in the glass, the wine smells of tart cranberries and cherries, flamed orange peel and struck match, cedar, rose petals, menthol, and fresh asphalt. The mid-palate and finish carry these forward along with a lovely crushed rock dimension that gives the wine added complexity and intrigue. The acidity is well-balanced by the taught fruit flavors, though the wine’s tannins and noticeable alcohol may do well with some additional years of bottle aging before they integrate fully. Cellar for an additional 3-5 years or drink now with polenta, sautéed mushrooms, and Moliterno al Tartufo.
Jul 29th, 2023Not your typical Langhe. This has more weight and depth. Dark cherry, rose petals, burnt earth and medium tannins.
Not your typical Langhe. This has more weight and depth. Dark cherry, rose petals, burnt earth and medium tannins.
May 23rd, 2022
This wine is at its peak with ripe cherry, pepper, dried red fruits and light anise on the palate. Tannins are ultra smooth.
This wine is at its peak with ripe cherry, pepper, dried red fruits and light anise on the palate. Tannins are ultra smooth.
Jan 31st, 2021