Taste the “Other Piedmont” Weds., 11/29, 5-7pm.

Custom gift baskets available! See below.

“The Other Piedmont”

When wine lovers think of Italy’s Piedmont region, Barolo and Barbaresco (an area known as “the Langhe”) immediately come to mind.

But there are also some real gems to be found in the northern edge of Piedmont, closer to the Alps: “Alto Piemonte” or “Upper Piedmont.” Vineyards here are planted with Spanna, a local clone of Nebbiolo.

Compared to the Langhe, Alto Piemonte has more volcanic soils in the mix, which boosts acidity and elegance. The climatic conditions and steep, high-elevation slopes ensure wide diurnal temperature swings that produce Nebbiolo of kaleidoscopic complexity, stunning minerality, and exceptionally longevity.

Centuries ago, it was more important than the Langhe, but was not replanted to the same extent as southern Piedmont following phylloxera’s devastation. Gattinara is the most famous appellation in Alto Piemonte.

Founded in 1906, Nervi is the oldest winery in Gattinara. The estate has been under new ownership since 2018. The revered Roberto Conterno (Giacomo Conterno), a third-generation Barolo producer, purchased the estate in 2018 and is revitalizing the cellar.

Made by strictly old-school methods, including lengthy fermentations and three to four years aging in neutral Slavonian oak botti (large casks), the Nervi Gattinaras have consistently been considered to be some of the greatest Nebbiolos of Alto Piemonte.

Nervi has holdings in the appellation’s two greatest crus — Molsino and Valferana — as well as the top sites of Garavoglie and Cassace. Only a tiny proportion of the very best parcels of the crus are bottled separately. The rest is blended in to their Gattinara

The key to Gattinara’s greatness is its terroir — a rare vein of volcanic gravel.

Join us to get to know Nervi’s fabulous wines from Gattinara this Wednesday, 11/29, from 5-7pm. We will be sampling the following three wines:

Nervi-Conterno 202 Rosato ($30.98)
Nervi-Conterno 2019 Gattinara ($84.98)
Nervi-Conterno 2018 Valferana Gattinara ($190)

*****

Custom Gift Baskets Available

We make it easy to send a customized gift basket of wine, spirits, or beer and gourmet goodies. Complimentary delivery within Boulder City is available for wine purchases over $50. Place your order by December 19 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve.