Antoniolo Gattinara Riserva San Francesco 2018

Antoniolo farms several named vineyards in Gattinara, a northern Piedmont appellation set apart by its volcanic porphyry soils. San Francesco is one of these single sites, and its acidic, iron-bearing ground produces a Nebbiolo that is more perfumed and savoury than the limestone-grown wines of the Langhe further south. The sharp diurnal range of this northern latitude, with warm days and cold nights, holds the grape's high natural acidity and lengthens the growing season. The vineyards are worked organically. After fermentation the wine spends eighteen months in oak barrels and a further year in bottle before it is sold, a slow maturation that softens the structural tannins and draws the bright fruit toward earthier, more complex aromas. In the glass it is a translucent garnet. The nose shows rose, red cherry and redcurrant over tobacco, leather and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and firmly structured, with cutting acidity and a fine tannin that grips the savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a wide glass, decanting young bottles. It pairs naturally with roast meats, game and earthy mushroom dishes.