The appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco are often hailed as the king and queen of the Piedmontese hills. Although other grape varieties are grown within their borders, these two neighboring denominations are devoted exclusively to crafting their namesake wines from the Nebbiolo grape, which can showcase a dynamic range of styles. This diversity springs from the area’s intricate topography and geology, which gives rise to numerous distinctive vineyard sites—known as menzioni geografiche aggiuntive—and a cadre of dedicated producers, each with a distinct vision.
Production from these hillside plots is limited by decree, and prices can be expensive. However, bottlings that blend fruit from multiple sites—such as those from the highly regarded cellars of G.D. Vajra and Giuseppe Cortese, both highlighted below—offer exceptional value, particularly in standout vintages like 2021. While single-vineyard Barolos from Vajra or the Barbaresco Rabajà from Cortese typically retail in the $70–$100 range, their blended bottlings are roughly half the price. Notably, Vajra’s Barolo Albe 2021 earned 94 points this year, matching last year’s rating that secured the 2020 vintage’s spot as Wine Spectator’s Wine No. 9 of 2024.
Traditionally, Barolo and Barbaresco are wines that reward extended cellaring to unlock their full complexity. However, for enthusiasts who enjoy Nebbiolo’s hallmark cherry, floral and herbal notes, the broader Langhe DOC offers a range of exceptional Nebbiolos with more immediate appeal, thanks to their fruit-forward style. Featured below are versions from Cortese and Vajra, alongside the Nebbiolo Langhe Marghe from Damilano—each an affordable introduction to its producer’s house style.
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