2011 Italy
Wine vintage Report for the North & Central Italy: unseasonably early, warm and dry spring, followed by a mild, dry summer and hot August, peaking at 40 degrees during the last couple of weeks. Some rain during the first week of September, remaining warm andwindy until the early harvest, one that favoured early ripening varieties. Sun burn was a risk for those who de-leafed.
Vintage Report for the the South of Italy - the vintage was marked by a dry, hot summer followed by outbreaks of rain during September, paving the way for a small harvest and very promising, fruity wines.
Reports from Barolo:
Davide Rosso reported an early harvest (for Nebbiolo). He added that the warmest S/SW facing sites were most at risk from fruit overripeness; otherwise the fruit looked clean and ripe. Timing of the green harvest was important; too early/zealously risks overly inflated fruit. Meanwhile the Barbera performed well; the Dolcetto however seemed to suffer from the hot days and fresh nights.
The 2011 wine vintage for Barolo started promisingly with another deep winter but then, as with most of Europe, March/April/May was unseasonally dry and warm; echoes of the 2007 vintage as the season leapt forward by at least a couple of weeks. Since then it's been a strange summer with hot weeks alternating with cooler fresh days.
There was lots of 'afa' (humidity), important for photosynthesis under hot conditions, but little disease pressure to speak of; storms threatened the worst but never materialised, leaving only a fresh, windy wake. August was consistently hot (30 - 35 degree days) with fresh nights - the opposite of 2010. Yields were normal, nowadays maintained at a regular level through green havest.
David Berry Green, Italy Buyer
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£30.45
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£165.96
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Cascina Luisin, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2011 vintage is the first release of the Minuto family’s Barbaresco Asili, from their tiny handkerchief square of vines (0.6 hectares), comprising 55-year-old vines. There is more sand in Asili, contributing a fine texture, along with mentholated, ripe, small, strawberry fruit. It's so pretty, so suave, with impeccable lines, and quasi-perfect balance; a joy, but still in its relative youth. It should age beautifully if you can wait.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
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£46.30
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£250.02
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£195.36
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Roagna, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
With a compact nose of gorgeous, red, strawberry fruit and Alpine herbs from Roagna’s Castiglione Falletto vineyard, this is fresher than the more decadent Vecchie Viti. Pira draws on the calcareous Castiglione soils to give not just juicy red fruit but also a sapid saltiness. Refined yet full, it brims with red-berry crunch and has a glint of cassis at its heart.
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 14cs
£297.96
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Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
For laying down,
Cited as one of Barolo’s finest vineyards, a definite Grand Cru if & when the authorities get round to classifying the zone, Vigna Rionda is to Serralunga d’Alba what La Romanee-Conti is to Vosne-Romanee. It’s a vineyard that combines perfect exposure, soil, altitude & in Davide’s case old vines planted in 1946. The Giovanni Rosso cantina’s 1 hectare was inherited in 2010 from Davide’s cousin, Tommaso Canale, who had previously made & sold off the wine to the likes of Bruno Giacosa to bottle (as ‘Collina Rionda’).
Given the state of the vineyard, planted not just with Nebbiolo but also Dolcetto & Barbera, Davide has already replanted three-quarters with Nebbiolo; the remainder being prime old Nebbiolo vines, priceless plant material but producing only circa 2000 bts per year until the new vines come of age (in 2020?). 2011 is therefore Davide’s first vintage making Vigna Rionda, vinified in static stainless-steel, cement & in single 16hl slavonian oak large botte. Full bodied yet at the same time so agile, profound, mystical even. Think about drinking from 2021 at the earliest.
David Berry Green, BBR Italian Buyer
Given the state of the vineyard, planted not just with Nebbiolo but also Dolcetto & Barbera, Davide has already replanted three-quarters with Nebbiolo; the remainder being prime old Nebbiolo vines, priceless plant material but producing only circa 2000 bts per year until the new vines come of age (in 2020?). 2011 is therefore Davide’s first vintage making Vigna Rionda, vinified in static stainless-steel, cement & in single 16hl slavonian oak large botte. Full bodied yet at the same time so agile, profound, mystical even. Think about drinking from 2021 at the earliest.
David Berry Green, BBR Italian Buyer
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£238.00
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£1,209.96
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£218.04
Bottle 6 x 75cl 34cs
£995.28
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£575.00
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£3,105.00
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£345.00
Magnum 3 x 150cl 15cs
£1,280.76
Bottle 3 x 75cl 2cs
£525.00
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Gaja,
For laying down,
Round, supple and succulent, the 2011 Costa Russi is laced with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather. The classic Costa Russi personality comes through in a soft, gracious wine with tons of near and medium-term appeal. The Costa Russi captures an attractive middle ground between the ripe, pliant style of the year and the medium bodied grace of Nebbiolo. I expect the 2011 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure. Although Costa Russi is often the most precocious of Gaja's single-vineyard wines, it is the last site to be picked.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2014
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2014
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Magnum 1 x 150cl 3cs
£415.00
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Marco De Bartoli, Sicily,
Drink now,
Grillo is the grape of Marsala, behind its fortified wine – and effectively of the entire western side of Sicily. A cross between Zibibbo (Moscato) and Catarrato, it thrives on the sedimentary sandy limestone (strewn with fossils) that characterise the western corner and indeed those of De Bartoli's Contrada Samperi, home to the De Bartoli family, near the town of Marsala itself. Here the De Bartoli fruit lap up the Sicilian sun, basking in its light, constantly ventilated by island breezes to give a medium-to-full dry wine with great, suave intensity of ripe cedro (an enlarged, lemon) and crustaceous notes, while remaining exquisitely elegant and moreish. Great with food, particularly squid ink pasta. Vinified in used 10 hectarelitre French fusti, using only wild yeasts, it's also capable of ageing well in bottle, as shown by the sapid 2001 I was fortunate to taste.
David Berry Green On the nose, Sicilian lemons entwine with honeysuckle and a hint of gunflint. Well balanced and charcterful, this works wonderfully well with food.
Alice Cave, London Shop
David Berry Green On the nose, Sicilian lemons entwine with honeysuckle and a hint of gunflint. Well balanced and charcterful, this works wonderfully well with food.
Alice Cave, London Shop
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£105.00
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Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is the classification Barolo & Barbaresco producers use to give consumers to the fruity expression of Nebbiolo (while Barolo or Barbaresco wines reflect their terroir); an option they’ve had only since 1995. This is Davide’s second vintage of Langhe Nebbiolo, the fruit coming from his vineyards of Cerretta (Piane), Baudana (just below the cantina), and Damiano, where the vines are perhaps younger or the fruit hasn’t made the cut to qualify as Barolo. Vinified in static stainless-steel & cement, along with a brief passage in wood, this ready to drink Nebbiolo is both fleshy as well as poised. Drink 2013-2016
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£90.00
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£90.00
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Ornellaia,
Ready, but will improve,
Ornellaia is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding the seasoning to the wine. It is one of the two signature wines of Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia, the other being the 100 percent Merlot: Masseto. Winemaker Axel Heinz’s use of this Bordeaux blend grown on the Tuscan coast has made this wine a highly-anticipated favourite amongst wine lovers. This vintage has been described by the winemakers as of a quality similar to the great 2001, but even more sophisticated. It is a wine with a rich plum core, polished and intriguing with tobacco and liquorice adding further complexity to the perfectly composed palate.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£630.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£640.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£700.00
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£1,000.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£1,200.00
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Graci, Sicily,
Ready, but will keep,
Also from the Arcuria vineyard, at 600-660 metres up the black lava strewn slopes of Monte Etna, comes this suave, effortless and limpid Etna Rosso, whose Nerello Mascalese fruit was harvested late on in the season, so imbuing with wine with (volcanic) minerality. Vinified only in wood, first in upright tini, then in 40hl botte grande, without stalks, there’s a minerally smokiness to the red/back fruit, being also gentle and fluid; indeed there’s a wave of red, peppery fruit, wrapped up in silky tannins. Molten! Drinking 2014 - 2024.
David Berry Green
David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£175.00
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Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli,
Ready, but will improve,
Mascarello's 2011 Barolo Monprivato is a graceful, voluminous wine. Laced with notes of red cherry, raspberry, mint, white pepper and orange peel, all wrapped in polished tannins. The 2011 is an excellent choice to drink while some of the more ageworthy recent vintages sleep in the cellar. It will offer a long and wide drinking window of pure pleasure over the next years to 2025.
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Sassicaia,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2010 “Super Tuscans” were released to huge plaudits from across the industry and 2011 has produced a vintage that is in many cases just as fine – amongst the wines, Sassicaia has excelled. There is a nobility to the wine, with roasted herbs, plums, liquorice and just a touch of menthol.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
£645.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£650.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£735.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£1,300.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£1,309.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£1,350.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£1,399.00
Magnum 1 x 150cl 1cs
£270.00
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Fontodi,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2011 Flaccianello della Pieve is 100% Sangiovese aged 24 months in new French oak and two months in large oak cask. I’m not sure how Fontodi does it, but this edition of Flaccianello is simply beautiful. It is a seamless expression with lingering tones of red cherry, coffee, spice, truffle and red rose that flow harmoniously into unison. In the mouth, the wine shows great opulence and textural richness that is pushed forward by the stylistic softness of the tannins and the wine’s inner freshness. Pretty menthol tones appear on the finish. Drink: 2015-2030.
Following the glorious performance of Fontodi in 2010, I had lowered my expectations with regard to 2011. The 2010 Flaccianello della Pieve was one of my favorite wines tasted last year. Although the 2011 vintage does indeed result in softer, plusher wines, the Fontodi magic is delivered in droves nonetheless.
95/100 points Monica Larner, eRobertParker.com #215 Oct 2014
Following the glorious performance of Fontodi in 2010, I had lowered my expectations with regard to 2011. The 2010 Flaccianello della Pieve was one of my favorite wines tasted last year. Although the 2011 vintage does indeed result in softer, plusher wines, the Fontodi magic is delivered in droves nonetheless.
95/100 points Monica Larner, eRobertParker.com #215 Oct 2014
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£430.00
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Antinori,
Ready, but will improve,
It is no surprise at all that this is a beautifully woven wine, coming from the famed Antinori stable and using the tried and tested combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Petit Verdot. It is a rich multi-layered wine with plum, mocha and sweet spice. Its origin is unveiled with the Mediterranean herbs that come through in the finish. This is a real masterclass in producing a fully flavoured wine that can hold itself perfectly in check with a wonderful balance.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
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Ornellaia,
Ready, but will keep,
We are delighted to be able to offer Le Serre Nuove, a true ‘Second vin’ of Ornellaia. First introduced with the 1997 vintage, 2011 is perhaps their finest vintage to date.
Since its inception in 1981 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia very quickly gained international recognition and established itself as a world-class producer. Located in the medieval village of Bolgheri, made famous by the presence of the pioneering estate Tenuta San Guido, this coastal area of Tuscany had already established itself as a region whose finest vineyards were able to produce wine of the highest calibre.
It is, no doubt, a stunning landscape with towering cypress trees lining ancient Roman roads however in wine terms its proximity to the sea is key. Not only are the finest vineyards spared the highest temperatures found further inland due to cooling sea breezes, grapes ripen earlier here, often before the arrival of autumn rains, bringing a degree of consistency across vintages that should not be overlooked.
Today the wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia may rival those of Tenuta San Guido, notably Sassicaia, however many feel that its wines offer a more ‘international’ expression of the terroir of Bolgheri. As you would expect, the wine is produced primarily from the fruit of the estate’s younger vineyards, and aims to combine the pedigree of Ornellaia itself, with the intensity of outstanding terroir balanced by freshness and approachability.
Since its inception in 1981 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia very quickly gained international recognition and established itself as a world-class producer. Located in the medieval village of Bolgheri, made famous by the presence of the pioneering estate Tenuta San Guido, this coastal area of Tuscany had already established itself as a region whose finest vineyards were able to produce wine of the highest calibre.
It is, no doubt, a stunning landscape with towering cypress trees lining ancient Roman roads however in wine terms its proximity to the sea is key. Not only are the finest vineyards spared the highest temperatures found further inland due to cooling sea breezes, grapes ripen earlier here, often before the arrival of autumn rains, bringing a degree of consistency across vintages that should not be overlooked.
Today the wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia may rival those of Tenuta San Guido, notably Sassicaia, however many feel that its wines offer a more ‘international’ expression of the terroir of Bolgheri. As you would expect, the wine is produced primarily from the fruit of the estate’s younger vineyards, and aims to combine the pedigree of Ornellaia itself, with the intensity of outstanding terroir balanced by freshness and approachability.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£190.00
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£195.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£218.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£228.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
£238.00
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£250.00
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£255.00
Bottle 1 x 75cl 1cs
£300.00
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£1,500.00
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Antinori,
Ready, but will improve,
Truly an iconic wine, Tignanello’s origins lie in a single vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Vigneto Tignanello‘ made for the 1970 vintage. Even at this point it broke new ground by being the first Sangiovese aged in small oak barrels, and the die was cast from the 1971 vintage, when it became a Vino da Tavola della Toscana and was named Tignanello after the vineyard from where the fruit originates. Over the following eleven years Tignanello gradually evolved into the wine we recognise today – a wine that no longer follows the rules laid down by Chianti Classico Disciplinare.andnbsp; A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc that is produced only in the finest vintages.
Over the recent years, the growing excitement and appetite for Italy’s top wines and in particular the Super Tuscan wines has become insatiable.
The excitement behind the renaissance of the Super Tuscan wines is paraphrased brilliantly by Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate – “The buzz is back. Italy’s most iconic wine estate – the ground zero for all fine wine made in the country today – has entered an exciting new chapter with a renewed sense of purpose. This change was not sparked by any single event, rather a confluence of events starting with a fortuitous string of great vintages.” With a string of very good vintages such as 2008, 2009, 2010 and now 2011, Tignanello is on fine form.
Over the recent years, the growing excitement and appetite for Italy’s top wines and in particular the Super Tuscan wines has become insatiable.
The excitement behind the renaissance of the Super Tuscan wines is paraphrased brilliantly by Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate – “The buzz is back. Italy’s most iconic wine estate – the ground zero for all fine wine made in the country today – has entered an exciting new chapter with a renewed sense of purpose. This change was not sparked by any single event, rather a confluence of events starting with a fortuitous string of great vintages.” With a string of very good vintages such as 2008, 2009, 2010 and now 2011, Tignanello is on fine form.
Still very young and quite closed, this has cool, black fruit from the Cabernet dominating on the nose at present. The palate is supple and harmonious with plenty of ripe red fruit, crisp acidity and ripe tannins. This looks to be set to be another superb Tignanello.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
£330.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£345.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£350.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£380.00
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Fattoria Galardi,
Ready, but will improve,
Galardi emerged as a star wine property in Campania over the past decade. The region’s volcanic soils yield wines of impressive elegance and personality, as demonstrated through an array of compelling indigenous varieties. Terra di Lavoro, the estate’s flagship wine, has risen to become one of Italy’s cult wines, and with good reason. It showcases the qualities of two ancient varieties (Aglianico and Piedirosso) and the volcanic soils on which they are grown. The two grapes combine to imbue the wine with concentration, compelling complexity and length.
Produced from Aglianico and Piedirosso (an ancient variety from Campania that –when treated with care – gives good body, soft tannins and gentle minerality), Galardi’s top offering is no shrinking violet, but combines its power with fine definition and poise that has elevated this hidden gem to cult status.
Produced from Aglianico and Piedirosso (an ancient variety from Campania that –when treated with care – gives good body, soft tannins and gentle minerality), Galardi’s top offering is no shrinking violet, but combines its power with fine definition and poise that has elevated this hidden gem to cult status.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£250.00
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£75.00
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Scopetone, Tuscany,
Ready, but will keep,
Loredana and Antonio read the sunny 2011 vintage perfectly, choosing not to deleaf, so protecting against the rays, and macerating the skins for 15 days (versus 24 for 2009). The result is a luminous, sunset-blush, strawberry-red wine; one whose nose – of finely-tuned, warm, precise, kirsch, cassis and strawberry – one could dive into. Aged for nearly three years in third-fill Austrian oak barrels, the trim palate rolls gorgeously on, a thread of succulent cassis, soft but refined; a flow of pure delight.
This jewel of a Montalcino estate was first planted in 1978 by Federigo Abbarchi and Angela Corioni on marne and iron-rich, red, silt soils at 450 metres above sea-level on the north-western corner of Montalcino; bottling began in 1982 under the eye of Giulio Gambelli. Skip to 2009, and locals Loredana Tanganelli, husband Antonio and daughter Giada started to rent the 1.5-hectare gem from Angela Corioni, adding another 1.5 hectares of their own land. These smooth wines are sensitively and traditionally made using stainless steel and 33-hectolitre Pauscha Austrian oak botti.
This jewel of a Montalcino estate was first planted in 1978 by Federigo Abbarchi and Angela Corioni on marne and iron-rich, red, silt soils at 450 metres above sea-level on the north-western corner of Montalcino; bottling began in 1982 under the eye of Giulio Gambelli. Skip to 2009, and locals Loredana Tanganelli, husband Antonio and daughter Giada started to rent the 1.5-hectare gem from Angela Corioni, adding another 1.5 hectares of their own land. These smooth wines are sensitively and traditionally made using stainless steel and 33-hectolitre Pauscha Austrian oak botti.
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Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli,
For laying down,
Giuseppe Mascarello & Figlio surely ranks as one of Barolo’s finest producers. The family business dates back to 1881. All the wines are traditionally made using a combination of epoxy-lined cement and stainless-steel cuves, before being aged in large Slavonian botte; capturing the vineyards' full expression.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£385.00
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Caiarossa, Tuscany,
Ready, but will keep,
Notes from all of the constituent parts are there on the nose, with the Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese all lending something to the bouquet. Its Bordeaux pedigree comes through loud and clear on the palate. Plenty of ripe, red fruit from the Merlot and ripe, black fruit from the Cabernet dominate the palate, where they are rounded out and brought into balance by the crisp acidity from the Sangiovese. This is a FrancoItalian delight.
A couple of years ago, Frenchman Dominique Génot was airlifted out of his comfort zone to realise the potential of this new estate located in the Maremma zone of Tuscany. His greatest challenge seems to have been identifying and vinifying the 11 grape varieties that are planted on 12 different soil types throughout the estate. By applying lessons learned in Bordeaux at Ch. du Tertre and Ch. Giscours, the potential of the terrain is certainly now being realised.
A couple of years ago, Frenchman Dominique Génot was airlifted out of his comfort zone to realise the potential of this new estate located in the Maremma zone of Tuscany. His greatest challenge seems to have been identifying and vinifying the 11 grape varieties that are planted on 12 different soil types throughout the estate. By applying lessons learned in Bordeaux at Ch. du Tertre and Ch. Giscours, the potential of the terrain is certainly now being realised.
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E.Pira di Chiara Boschis, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
A blend of Nebbiolo fruit from the villages of Barolo, Serralunga d'Alba and Monforte, in 2011 Chiara introduces some larger French oak alongside barriques. Picked relatively early, this has a cool, red, cherry-stone character, along with some oaky tannin notes.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
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Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Thanks to the likes of Trediberri and Roberto Voerzio, Rocche dell'Annunziata is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the Langhe's unofficial Grand Cru vineyards. Located in the sweet spot of La Morra, the vineyard is in a natural amphitheatre that has perfect aspect, altitude and soil composition of sand, clay and silt – similar indeed to that of Cannubi. Only a tiny quantity is made by the Oberto family – 1,080 bottles – which is traditionally fermented for 27 days and aged in smaller oak due to the quantity available. Backed by old vines, this is on another planet compared to their Barolo: emphatic with rosehip, rich with red cherry-stone sapidity, of mocha and tea, it's self-assured with a calm presence. One acknowledges the richer texture, the fuller weight, the (Grand Cru) kirsch quality to the loganberry-fruit. It's sumptuous and supple thanks to the small amount of oak; hedonistic yet cool.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
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Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Drawn from their young Berri vineyard in the village of La Morra overlooking the Tanaro river, this traditional Barolo is vinified for 18 days on the skins before ageing in 25-hectolitre botti. It has an engagingly-bright, pale-red colour, a nose that sings (with a bit of air) of rosehip, bergamot and even of strawberry ripple. Their La Morra roots show through with the earthy red fruit, mixed spice, hints of orange peel, of tea-leaf and quinine. It's eager to please, openhearted and sincere; alive with charmingly-fleshy strawberry-fruit. This is on the lighter side due to the younger vines, but a joy to behold.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
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Destined to be an engineer thanks to a family construction business, Marina rebelled and headed to the vineyards on the family’s 17-hectare estate overlooking Neive, following in the footsteps of her grandmother. Trained in viticulture, she turned the property organic in 1982 (certified in 1993). All the vineyards are grassed over, with the fruit being vinified traditionally in both cement and stainless steel, before being aged in a combination of used French tonneaux and Slavonian botti. She has three Barbaresco vineyards: Basarin, San Cristoforo and San Cristoforo Campo Quadro.