ANTONIO VALLANA E FIGLI
ALTO-PIEMONTE, IT
Vallana 2016 'Campi Raudii' Spanna ($26)
With family winemaking heritage going back to the 1700s, the Antonio Vallana e Figlio estate was founded in 1937 and now run by fourth and fifth generations. It was this family that gave the Alto-Piemonte a reputation for quality wines crafted with the Spanna grape. Most drinkers and winemakers outside of the region know this grape as Nebbiolo.
Unlike Nebbiolo in the Langhe, in the Alto-Piedmonte the grape is often used as the primary actor in a blend, supporting other regional grapes like Vespolina or Uva Rara. Closer to the Italian Alps, with rockier soils and cooler shifts in temperature, the reds crafted by Vallana and its neighbors are typically crisper and more fragrant than those in the warmer stretches of sub-Alpine Italy.
Meaning “Red Soils,” the estate’s ‘Campi Raudii’ bottling references an important Roman battle that took place in 101 BC near Vallana’s estate. After a hard victory, the Romans planted vines. According to the NYC importer, it is 100% Spanna (Nebbiolo) that is both aged and fermented in cement, allowing it to gently evolve while retaining freshness before bottling.
A beautiful nose, with soft red flowers, fig and tart raspberry on the nose. The palate shows earthy and herbal nuances which float above ripe red fruits. Structurally, the tannins are woven, refreshed by pristine acidity.
Vallana 'Campi Raudii' 2016
Regular price
$26.00
Sale price
$26.00
Unit price
per
Campi Raudii (Latin for red fields) is the name of one of the most important battles in Roman history, which took place near the estate's current foundation. After a hard earned victory, the Romas introduced the cultivation of vines to these red colored soils. Rigorous selection of 100% Spanna, the local name for Nebbiolo in Alto Piedmont, fermented and aged in concrete to preserve the freshness.
A lovely library release. A beautiful nose, with soft red flowers, fig and tart raspberry on the nose. The palate shows earthy and herbal nuances which float above ripe red fruits. Structurally, the tannins are woven, refreshed by pristine acidity. This wine will surely age for another decade, becoming more rustic in profile.
