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Wine Details
Price:
Description:
Here we have the 1999 Nebbiolo which waited almost 5 years above the fray of a busy winery, aging. The wine that starts as tar and ages to rose petals. This was the last variety harvested, and it was good that it was: the heavy, compact clusters literally broke the crusher. We had never seen such brick-like clusters: big, dark, solid. The last bin was added to the fermenters as essentially whole clusters, barely crushed with the cap-punching tool. Now, at its release, it insists on its proper place in your cellar: keep it in a special place, let it rest in the bottle, try not to disturb it or it will release a royal roar. Still showing plenty of tar, the tannins are just beginning to soften, and its typical high acid just beginning to subside. Only time will let the silky rose petals blossom.
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Varietal Definition
Nebbiolo:
The red grape of Barolo and Barbaresco from the Piedmont region of Northwest Italy. Named after the word 'nebbia', or fog in Italian, which rises around the hills of Alba, the famous truffle countryside. It is noted for its high acidity and 'mouth puckering' tannins and its distinct bouquet of black cherries, liquorice and leather. A top Barolo will take years to soften but when mature will evolve the vegetal, gamy characteristics for which this Italian classic is famous. The colour on ageing Nebbiolo wines fades rapidly to form a distinctive brownish rim.
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