Gallina 2019

The Gallina vineyard of La Spinetta estate is located on the hills of Neive, in the heart of Piedmont, in the prestigious Barbaresco area. Facing mainly south and south-west, this cru benefits from well-drained slopes and marly-calcareous soils rich in active limestone, promoting a slow and complete maturation of the grapes. Surrounded by woods and other historic plots, the vines occupy a privileged position that captures the cool breezes from the Tanaro valley, helping to preserve the balance between concentration, freshness, and aromatic finesse.

The grapes for the Gallina cuvée are hand-harvested, then destemmed and carefully sorted before alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts and skin maceration to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in French barriques, where the wine is aged for several months, with a prolonged period in wood to refine the tannins and develop aromatic complexity, before bottling after an additional resting period in the cellar.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and plum, complemented by floral touches of rose and violet, as well as spicy nuances of liquorice and sweet pepper. Woody accents of vanilla and cedar mingle with a subtle mineral dimension. On the palate, the body is ample and silky, supported by a lively acidity, fine but structured tannins, and a long, precise, and flavorful finish that highlights the elegance of Nebbiolo.

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!