A Langhe Nebbiolo of a very good producer is a great way to experience the essence of Nebbiolo's varietal character. While there is inevitably some ageing in barrel (in this case around 12 months), the barrels will be large and old so they don't impart wood aroma and only really serve to soften the edges of what can be an incredibly robust grape in its youth. The result is incredibly vivacious and crunchy red fruit, with overt and pretty floral aromatics. The structure and acidity are very much prominent, but the balance with the fruit is excellent and the overwhelming sensation is of freshness.