Curra Barbaresco 2019

The Barbaresco Currà from the Sottimano estate comes from the Currà cru, a renowned hillside located in the municipality of Neive, in the heart of the Barbaresco appellation area in Piedmont. The vines, planted in marl-limestone soils rich in sand and clay, benefit from well-ventilated exposures that promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. This hilly terroir, typical of the Langhe region, gives the wine great aromatic finesse, a slender structure, and a particularly elegant expression of Nebbiolo.

The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration and gentle pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, followed by extended aging in mostly used French oak barrels to preserve the expression of the Currà terroir. The wine is neither filtered nor fined before bottling, reflecting a minimal-intervention approach.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe red fruits , and plum , complemented by floral nuances of dried rose and violet , as well as spicy touches of licorice , pepper , and sweet spices . Subtle woody accents of tobacco and cedar mingle with a slightly mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is precise, supported by lively acidity, firm yet fine tannins, and a long, flavorful finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!