Renato Ratti, Langhe DOC (Piedmont, Italy) Nebbiolo 2018

 First made in 1969, Ratti’s 2018 Nebbiolo from the Langhe DOC is quite straightforward and accessible in appeal.  The color is a light ruby, and the body is medium-light.  Showing typical aromas of raspberry and light cocoa dust scents, it is pleasant on the palate and then the earthy, spicy berry flavors yield to a touch of bitterness.  With firm tannins in the background, it remains vibrant throughout and is a food friendly wine.  It is more widely appealing than, say, a Barbera, and is far less complicated than a Barolo.  Also, it is one of the few reds light enough to be enjoyable during warm summer days chilled or at room temp.  With Gallo as its US distributor, Ratti wines are quite widely available and are popular in Italian restaurants these days.