Born in the hilltop village of Neive—one of Barbaresco's crown communes—Francesco Versio is a fourth-generation Langhe native whose winemaking journey reads like a masterclass in Nimbus-level Nebbiolo education. After graduating from Alba's Winemaking School (2005) and earning a viticulture and oenology degree from the University of Turin (2009), Francesco landed the opportunity of a lifetime: working as cellar master at the legendary Bruno Giacosa under the tutelage of enologist Dante Scaglione. It was here that Francesco internalized Giacosa's philosophy of terroir transparency, learning to identify, combine, and transpose the unique signatures of Barbaresco's various crus into bottle. In 2012, he began vinifying his grandfather's historic vineyard plots—San Cristoforo (limestone-rich, planted 1969) and Currà (sandy alluvial soils)—in the family basement, releasing his first vintage in 2013. Today, Francesco serves as head winemaker at Figli Luigi Oddero while producing minuscule quantities (under 10,000 bottles annually) of world-class Barbaresco, Dogliani Dolcetto, Barbera d'Alba, and this benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo from 10–12-year-old vines in the Starderi and Currà crus.

The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is Francesco's most accessible entry point into his world—a "baby Barbaresco" that showcases the elegance and precision that define his entire portfolio. Sourced from 10–12-year-old vines planted in the Starderi and Currà MGA sites in Neive, the wine ferments in stainless steel with brief skin maceration, then matures for six months in large Slavonian oak casks followed by ten months in cement. This regime preserves the wine's vibrant primary fruit while allowing the hallmark Nebbiolo structure to develop with finesse. The result is a wine that's light yet intense, displaying intense aromas of sour cherry, plum, violet, licorice, quinine, and delicate spices, with a palate that's fresh, full-bodied, and framed by silky yet structured tannins. At 14.5% alcohol, it'sDrinkable now but will reward 2–5 years of cellaring, offering exceptional Clarity and transparency that rivals Barbaresco—at a fraction of the price.

Why You'll Love It

• Stunning value for the quality: This is a benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo from a rising superstar whose wines are destined to command cult followings—think of it as "cheap Barbaresco" that doesn't compromise on elegance or terroir expression

• Classic Giacosa-inspired style: Francesco's training under Bruno Giacosa and Dante Scaglione shines through in the wine's remarkable clarity, transparency, and balance between ripe dark berry fruit and firm, finely-grained tannins

• Single-vineyard pedigree: Grapes come exclusively from Neive's esteemed San Cristoforo and Currà crus—two of the most highly regarded MGA sites in Barbaresco—giving this entry-level wine the soul of a much more expensive bottle

How To Serve It

• Decant for 1 hour before serving to allow the wine's perfumed aromatics (violet, licorice, underbrush) to fully express themselves and soften the structured tannins

• Temperature: Serve between 60–64°F in Burgundy bowls to preserve the wine's freshness while allowing its aromatic complexity to emerge

• Delectable with classic Piedmontese cuisine—tajarin al tartufo, brasato al Barolo, agnolotti del plin, or grilled ribeye—where the wine's acidity and tannic structure cut through rich, fatty meats