Ghemme Oltre il Bosco 2020

The Oltre Il Bosco cuvée comes from the hills of Ghemme, in Alto Piemonte, north of the province of Novara. The vineyard, south-facing, stretches over soils of glacial origin composed of fluvio-alluvial sediments rich in silt and naturally acidic. Located at the foot of the Alps and Monte Rosa, the vines benefit from a cool climate and significant temperature variations, favoring a slow maturation of the Nebbiolo. The name "Oltre Il Bosco," meaning "beyond the wood," refers to the ancient forest that historically separates Ghemme from Suno.

The Nebbiolo grapes, from vines approximately 30 years old, are harvested manually at the end of October, after an initial selection of bunches in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, with a prolonged maceration of 60 days on the skins to gradually extract color, matter, and tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, then refined for 12 months in bottle. This long maturation builds its structure and remarkable aging potential.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry, raspberry, plum, accompanied by nuances of violet, mint, licorice, black pepper, tobacco, and undergrowth. On the palate, the body is ample, structured, and savory, carried by a lively acidity that brings tension and balance. The tannins are firm, fine, and elegant, giving the wine beautiful depth without losing elegance. The long and persistent finish prolongs the fruity, spicy, and balsamic notes, with a remarkable freshness that highlights its aging potential.

Ah, Italy! What a beautiful, hedonistic country, land of the Dolce Vita, yet how difficult it is to understand its wine organization! The key to understanding Italy's appellation system is to view it as several small countries rather than a single, homogeneous one, as each region has its own appellation system. Nevertheless, Italy can offer enthusiasts a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles full of surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines that are sold under their most commercially useful and reputable names: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a bit about history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are believed to have planted the vines, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently naming the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine played an important role in daily life, and certain regions were already distinguished by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established many vineyards throughout Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their invasion. Today, Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains experience a rather harsh mountain climate. The plain in the "middle of the boot" is characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot," the Mediterranean climate reigns, with very hot and dry summers, not to mention the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which are native to its lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, and one that deserves to be explored!