The Marcarini winery is located in the village of La Morra. Established in the 1700s, it is one of the regions historical estates and was one of the first to designate single vineyards on the labels in the 1950s. The Marcarini wines can be described as classic. They come from great vineyards sites, are farmed organically (not certified) and the wines are aged in large oak.

Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.” There is a bit of a shift this year for Pastafarian, with the inclusion of Sangiovese! The ultimate pasta variety, it must be said. Ask Brendan, Unico Zelo has long been critical of Sangiovese’s future in Australia, but after some recent encounters with other producers' expressions of the variety, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Lucky for the winery, it wasn’t far from home, as the fruit is from the lovely Polish Hill River Vineyard. Still, this wine is Nebbiolo through and through, and it’s the perfect marriage with Slovenian Oak for a perfumed, blue fruited and savoury structured Langhe-style Nebb. A touch of Merlot and Nero to add somebody (and a nice little spice too!). Top shelf here, finding an identity all of its own. Great wine.

Michele Chiarlo was founded in 1956 by the sole and present owners, Michele and Giuseppina Chiarlo. Son of over seven generations of esteemed wine growers, Michele is today one of the most respected producers of the fine wines of Piedmont and a leading figure in its viticultural industry. Cannubi is one of the most prominent vineyards in Barolo and has been recognised as a cru since 1752. The front label depicts the "ciabot", i.e. where the ancient Cannubi shed can be found in the middle of the steep, terraced vineyard. According to winemaker Stefano Chiarlo, 2016 was a vintage of rare qualitative excellence, where the absence of irregular weather events led to healthy, perfectly ripe grapes at harvest. The wine was aged for 3 years i medium-sized oak casks, then further aged in bottle prior to release. The result is an extraordinarily complex and elegant Barolo, with hints of red berries, rose petals, liquorice and rhubarb, with the notes of sweet spices and tobacco so typical of this cru. Structured and complex on the palate, finishing with silky tannins.

This wine was made in 2011 and 2012 but not in 2013. The 2014 Barolo Falletto (white label) is fascinating to taste right after the Barbaresco Riserva Asili from the same vintage. There is no doubting the extra muscle mass and power that is obtained in the Barolo appellation, and from the Serralunga dAlba township specifically. This dramatic Barolo delivers darkness and density. It shows a beautiful appearance with faint highlights of dark ruby that add a subtle sparkle. At this point in its drinking cycle, the wine shows all the characteristic traits of its youth. This means it is more closed and rigid at present. That nervous tightness needs to be factored in when assessing the cellar longevity of this vintage. Hints of the wines inner complexity, sheer determination and textural fortitude are already bubbling up from deep inside this firmly layered Nebbiolo. I wanted to mention the tightness of the tannins now. These will undoubtedly serve to carry this wine forward over the coming decades. *95 points*, The Wine Advocate Monica Larner

The Azienda Agricola Falletto Winery comprises twenty hectares of vineyards within the Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra and Barbaresco areas. The vine growing and wine making processes are followed through with care from beginning to end, culminating with vinification and ageing within our cellars in Neive. This Nebbiolo is an intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. Intense winey bouquet recalling sour cherry and spices. Lively, generous, and full flavour.

With the alps on three sides in the countrys mountainous North West, Piedmont creates some of Italys finest red wines. This elegant and complex wine displays the lifted aromatics, bright red fruits and fine tannins so expressive of Langhe Nebbiolo. Its smooth and medium bodied with dark berries. hints of dried herb and nunaces of leather. Approachable now but will benefit mid-term cellaring. Pair it with some rustic pork and fennel sausages on creamy parmesan polenta.

Lingo - Say it with confidence.This wine may be hard to pronounce, but the flavour rolls across the tongue. This Nebbiolo ( Neh-Bee-Ow-Low) provides a rustic, savoury palate, with delicious red fruit flavours and firm tannins.

Back in 2009, Justin Bubb had spent almost a decade in Italy leading the transformation of the winemaking at famed winery, Castello Di Gabbiano. He had been sent there to help improve the winemaking and also be a conduit for the Australian owners at the time. Originally only planning to stay for a short period, Justin was instrumental in growing the winery. He also was able to spend time working vintage in some of the most famed wine regions of Italy including Piedmonte, Veneto and Sicilia. His time in Europe had also helped him see there was an opportunity to bring great quality Italian wines back to Australia. Having decided to return to Australia with Anna Pooley his new wife, he sketched out very briefly wanted to do. He wanted to produce great value Italian wines, to shake any stuffy stereotypes of Italian wines, by offering contemporary styles that suited the wine savvy palates of Australians. He also wanted to continue working with the amazing growers and connections he had with his adopted country of Italy. Taking an Italian nickname for a tool that measures ‘baume’ in fruit, Babo was born. The vineyards it Piedmonte where this fruit is sourced are layered clay and limestone soils near the famed town of Castiglione Falletto. The fruit was selected from vineyards 300-400 m above sea level - mostly Southwest facing, with fantastic quality fruit. 100% Nebbiolo, handpicked fruit was destemmed with 6-8 day maceration at a controlled temperature, pumped over twice a day. Short aging in large concrete tanks completes this wine making journey. Bright purple and garnet highlights. On the nose delightful floral bouquet. Medium body, classic bright red berries, a little tar, roses and spice. Lovely weighted tannin gives a the perfect persistent finish. Delicious.