Rosé On The Dark Side

If you are a Nebbiolo fan, and who’s not, you should try a Nebbiolo rosé. I grabbed this one off the shelf at Eataly in Los Angeles. It was my first pink Nebbiolo, and it won’t be my last.

The 2024 Sfera Nebula Rosa Nebbiolo rosato is on the dark side of rosé. The 100% Nebbiolo grapes were grown organically in Monferrato, Piedmont, on the Crotin family estate. The juice got six to eight hours of skin contact, was vinified in stainless steel, and aged there for six months on its lees. Alcohol tips 12.5% abv and the price is $24.

This wine pours up in an orange salmon color, almost copper. The nose gives nice aromas of cherry, raspberry, and a slice of citrus minerality. The palate is full and creamy, thanks to the six months aging on the lees. The red fruit is a bit tart and a sneaky citrus note makes an appearance. The salinity lasts into the finish. This is not a pinky from the south of France. It’s darker and bolder. 

Follow Randy Fuller on X and BlueSky