Colline Novaresi Mottobello Erbaluce 2024

Mottobello is born in Alto Piemonte, on the hills of Novara, not far from the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, in a landscape dominated by Monte Rosa. These hills of glacial origin are formed of clay-rich fluvio-alluvial sediments with an acidic pH. Its name means "beautiful hill": the one-hectare vineyard faces south-west between 250 and 320 metres above sea level. Based in Suno, Francesco Brigatti grows Erbaluce there, an indigenous white grape of northern Piedmont, with the passion of a third generation of winegrowers.

The Erbaluce grapes are harvested at the end of September, then gently crushed before the must macerates on the skins for eight hours, enriching the wine in aromas and texture. Fermentation, carried out with native yeasts, takes place in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 17 °C. The wine is then aged for four months in stainless-steel tanks on its fine lees, then refined for at least two months in bottle. A simple filtration, without fining, preserves its full expression.

This wine reveals notes of chamomile, jasmine, wildflowers, acacia, citron, peach, honey and basil. Beneath a straw-yellow colour with green glints, the nose is intensely floral, lifted by citrus, white-fleshed fruit and a herbaceous touch. The medium-bodied palate is sapid and fine, supported by lively acidity and a mineral sensation. The fresh, saline finish suits the table as well as the aperitif.

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!