The Nebbiolo grapes come from vineyards located in the best areas of Gattinara DOCG. This area is located in the northern part of the Italian region of Piedmont. Legend has it that the Romans planted the first vines here. These wines are considered the greatest red wines of Piedmont, and even of all of Italy. So, we can't pass up this Gattinara Conterno. It's a full-bodied wine with abundant fruit and delicate aromas.
The vineyards of Nervi
In 1906, Luigi Nervi founded the Nervi winery. The family owned the winery for 85 years but sold it to the Bocciolone family in 1991. It is the oldest winery in the Gattinara region and owns a total of 28.5 hectares of vineyards in Vigneto Molsino, Molsino, and Valferana. Gattinara wine is made from grapes from these three different vineyards. The area is excellent for grape cultivation, and the vineyards are protected by the hills of Monte Rosa.
The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 290 to 420 meters above sea level. The soils are of volcanic origin and therefore rich in minerals and clay. The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested by hand in October and November. After harvest, the grapes are rigorously selected in the winery, destemmed, and then gently pressed. Fermentation follows in large steel vats at a controlled temperature. Afterward, the skins remain in the must for at least 15 days to enhance the aromas, colors, and flavors. The aging process is traditional, lasting 30 months in large oak barrels. Afterward, the wine is bottled and remains in the cellars for another 6 months. Because, yes, perfection requires patience.
The result after 30 months of wood aging
After its perfect aging, it's time to taste the Nervi Gattinara Conterno. This Nebbiolo wine first appears garnet-red in the glass. Delicate aromas of cherry, raspberry, red roses, spices, nutmeg, and black pepper leap from the glass. On the palate, it is pleasantly full, fresh, soft, and rich with abundant red fruit and velvety tannins. This continues into the long, complex, and above all, pleasant finish.