Alessandro Rivetto Langhe Nascetta Albori is a 750ml, 13% ABV white wine made from 100% Nascetta, a rare native grape of Piedmont's Langhe hills. Alessandro Rivetto was among the first producers to champion this semi-aromatic variety, having first experimented with the vine in 2002 before committing a full vineyard to it in 2012. Quick Facts: ABV: 13% | Origin: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy | Varietal: 100% Nascetta | Producer: Alessandro Rivetto Production & Heritage Alessandro Rivetto is a boutique estate in the Langhe zone of Piedmont, a region far better known for Barolo and Barbaresco reds than its whites. Rivetto has described his relationship with Nascetta as one of "hate and love" — the vine is demanding, requiring pot-style planting and abundant watering. The Albori undergoes a long, controlled fermentation at 15–18°C, followed by aging exclusively in stainless steel to preserve varietal purity, with a minimum of six months of further maturation in bottle before release. This approach keeps the focus squarely on Nascetta's distinctive herbal and mineral character rather than masking it with oak influence. Tasting Notes Aroma: A brilliant straw-yellow color in the glass gives way to a delicate, layered bouquet. Look for fresh white flowers, sage, and thyme — aromatics that the producer notes grow more complex with additional bottle aging. Taste: The entry is clean and immediate, with a pronounced minerality that drives across the mid-palate. The wine carries genuine power and textural weight, balanced by a lively, savory freshness that keeps everything in proportion. Tree fruit notes emerge as a subtle undercurrent beneath the dominant mineral and herbal tones. Finish: The finish is crisp and saline, with lingering sage and a stony mineral quality. It closes dry and appetizing, inviting the next sip. How to Drink Nascetta Albori Serve well chilled at around 10–12°C in a medium-sized white wine glass to let the herbal aromatics develop without dissipating. This is a wine that rewards attentive sipping on its own, but its savory, mineral profile also makes it a compelling ingredient in wine-based drinks. A White Negroni substitution works well, where the Albori's herbal notes echo the botanicals in Suze and dry vermouth. It also shines in a classic Spritz, where its minerality cuts through the sweetness of the bitter aperitivo. For a simple warm-weather serve, try it in a Hugo Spritz, where the wine's native sage character reinforces the elderflower element. Best For Introducing a wine enthusiast to a rare, indigenous Piedmont varietal Pairing with a multi-course Italian seafood dinner Building a collection focused on lesser-known native Italian grapes Warm-weather aperitivo sessions with friends Frequently Asked Questions What does Nascetta Albori taste like? It is a mineral-driven, savory white wine with herbal aromatics of sage and thyme layered over a core of fresh stone fruit. The texture is surprisingly powerful for its elegance, with bright acidity and a dry, saline finish. How does Nascetta Albori compare to Elvio Cogno Anas-Cëtta? Both wines are made from 100% Nascetta in Piedmont's Langhe and share herbal, mineral characteristics typical of the variety. Elvio Cogno's Anas-Cëtta tends to emphasize a rounder, slightly richer fruit profile, while Rivetto's Albori leans into crisp minerality and savory freshness through its strict stainless-steel aging regimen. Is Nascetta Albori good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its layered herbal aromatics and mineral complexity make it a rewarding wine to drink on its own, particularly when served well chilled. The producer also notes that the bouquet develops further nuance with additional bottle age. Where is Nascetta Albori made? It is produced by the Alessandro Rivetto estate in the Langhe zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Langhe is classified as a DOC appellation and sits among the rolling hills that also produce Barolo and Barbaresco. What foods pair well with Nascetta Albori? Its savory minerality pairs naturally with fresh seafood like branzino crudo or grilled langoustines, where the wine's salinity echoes the ocean flavors. Soft, herbed goat cheese complements the sage and thyme notes. Vitello tonnato is a classic Piedmontese match, and the bright acidity cuts through the richness of risotto with summer vegetables. Light pasta dishes with pesto or anchovy butter also work well. What sizes does Nascetta Albori come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle. Is Nascetta Albori worth the price? It positions as a mid-range artisan white wine, and its value lies in the rarity of the Nascetta grape itself — very few producers work with this variety. For drinkers looking beyond mainstream Piedmont whites like Arneis or Gavi, it represents a genuinely distinctive alternative at a reasonable price tier. Why Nascetta Albori? Nascetta nearly disappeared from Piedmont's vineyards before a handful of dedicated growers brought it back, and Alessandro Rivetto was among the earliest to commit to it. His two decades of experience with this temperamental vine — from initial trials in 2002 to a dedicated vineyard planted in 2012 — translate into a wine that captures the grape's full personality without compromise. The strict stainless-steel winemaking and extended bottle rest let Nascetta's unusual herbal-mineral character speak for itself, producing a white wine unlike almost anything else in the region. For anyone seeking a genuine point of difference in Italian white wine, this is one of the most authentic expressions of a rare and fascinating variety.
