Anna Maria Abbona nebbiolo 2018

The generalisation of Barolo and Barbaresco into the respective masculine and feminine expressions of nebbiolo, is - like most generalasations - something of an oversimplification. Sure, Barolo tends to have a touch more tannin, and yes barbaresco is often more purely aromatic. But here's a Barolo from a female producer, without the massive tannins of "serious" Barolo, but with the attractive aromatics of its near neighbour.

How does she do it? The importer says it's becasue AnnaMaria makes great dolcetto, which despite its image as a light red does have a lot of tannins - and they need managing. Applying that expertise to nebbiolo, she's made a beautiful wine that's already approaching maturity, with red fruit, rosehip and black tea on the nose, and silky smooth tannins in the mouth. A major hit at our annual Barolo dinner in 2023.