2019 Nebbiolo

Mediterranean Estate, Fair Play

Tasting Notes

Pale garnet in color and clear, as is typical for this lightly pigmented grape. You’ll find classic Nebbiolo aromas of rose petal, cherry, leather, and dried herbs. It has a strong tannic structure, leading across the palate through a lingering finish. Those tannins are wrapped in an otherwise silky mouthfeel with juicy tart cherry and subtle rosewater flavors. This wine is softened enough to drink now but will continue to age for 5 – 7 years. In Northern Italy Nebbiolo is typically aged while Barbera is consumed young.

Winemaking Notes

Our Nebbiolo block, at the Northern edge of our estate vineyard, is usually the first varietal to bud and the last to be harvested each year. That gives it a long growing season, allowing for full structural maturity before the winemaking process in the winery. In 2019, when these grapes reached the winery late in the season, we bled off 20% of the juice for rosé, to increase skin concentration. The grapes were 100% crushed and destemmed before fermentation and underwent a longer fermentation because of cooler end of season fall temperatures before being pressed to barrel to begin aging.

Food Pairing

Rich, truffled dishes or anything mushroom or mushroom sauce based will be welcome pairings with Nebbiolo. Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino are two cheeses that pair well. Fatty and cured meats always pair beautifully. Nebbiolo can also pair well with reach meaty sauces like Bolognese.

Aging

Aged in neutral puncheons (larger barrels) for 30 months to allow tannins to mature and soften.

About Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape is believed to have thrived in the Piemonte hills of Northern Italy since at least the 1200’s but possibly originated there much earlier. The variety is known for budding early and having a long hang time before harvest. As a result, it is given the most favored vineyard sites to help ensure it reaches full ripeness by the end of October. It is considered the noble grape of Italy and used to produce the famously age worthy wines Barolo and Barbaresco along with other famous wines from the region. It is often considered a fickle grape, a challenge to grow even in perfectly suited terroir.

Accolades

Silver Medal Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition

Wine Specs

100% Nebbiolo

126 cases produced