Bruno Rocca Langhe Nebbiolo Fralú 2023

The Rocca family have grown Nebbiolo in Barbaresco for over a century, and Fralu is their more modern, early drinking expression of the grape under the wider Langhe Nebbiolo appellation. The fruit comes from the calcareous marl soils of the Langhe hills in Piedmont, a soil that lends Nebbiolo its perfume, fine tannin and firm acidity. The region's foggy autumns and cool nights give a long, slow ripening that builds aromatic complexity while keeping the wine fresh. The wine spends twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens Nebbiolo's naturally high tannin and adds a light savoury frame. The colour is a translucent garnet. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, with red cherry, rose and a touch of dried herbs and leather. The palate is medium bodied and structured, with bright acidity and fine, gripping tannin, closing on an earthy, savoury finish. At 14 percent it is balanced and elegant. Serve at around 16 to 18 degrees, with a decant. It suits red meat, game birds and mushroom dishes.