In a country that has over 350 officially recognized grape varieties to choose from, Nebbiolo is among the most noble. Rip-roaringly high in both tannins and acidity, to the uninitiated (or when it's in the hands of a lesser-than- winemaker), the variety can be quite harsh and perhaps even off-putting, but in the hands of masters it can easily become an obsession point for wine-lovers. Complex, with typical aromas ranging from red cherries, to rose petals, plums, and even tar, the grape is found thriving across Northwest Italy, with the pinnacles of achievement being found in the appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco, while more affordable (but sill lovely) examples coming from Langhe, and even alpine bottles showing up in Valltellina and Gattinara.