Wine of the Week: 2008 Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo

2008 Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo

For all but the most avid collectors, Barolo prices are getting out of sight. That’s when the DOC Langhe Nebbiolo rides to the rescue. Made from pure Nebbiolo, the same grape that makes Barolo and Barbaresco so alluring, these are juicy fresh wines, often made from younger vines, and priced for everyday drinking. Not even Barolo producers drink their own wines all that often. What are they drinking? Nebbiolo, Dolcetto d’Alba and Barbera.

In 2008, Parusso made a killer Nebbiolo that’s lush and lively, with beautiful ripe fruit and smooth tannins. And you don’t have to wait for a wild boar to drink this one like you would with some Barolos. At around $20, it’s easygoing and ready to pair with roast chicken, chicken fricassee, hearty pasta dishes, bean soups and summer grills.

— S. Irene Virbila

Region: Piemonte, Italy

Price: $18 to $25

Style: Rich and medium-bodied

What it goes with: Roast birds, chicken fricasée, pasta dishes, summer grills

Where to find it: Mission Wine & Spirits in Pasadena (626) 794-7026, https://www.missionwineandspirits.com; the Wine Country in Signal Hill (562) 597-8303, https://www.thewinecountry.com; Wine Exchange in Orange (714) 974-1454, https://www.winex.com; Wine House in West Los Angeles (310) 479-3731, https://www.winehouse.com.