Travaglini Gattinara Riserva 2020

Travaglini is one of the leading names in Gattinara, a small appellation in the hills of northern Piedmont. Founded in 1958, the estate built its reputation on Nebbiolo grown on steep slopes of acidic, iron-rich porphyry soil, which gives the wine its mineral edge and pale garnet colour. The continental climate and the wide day-to-night temperature swing here let the grapes ripen slowly while holding the high acidity and tannin that define ageworthy Nebbiolo. The Riserva is made only in the better vintages and spends extended time refining in wood before release, which softens the tannins and adds savoury complexity. The wine pours a translucent ruby-garnet. The nose moves through dried cherry, rose, tobacco, leather and dried herbs, with an earthy undertone typical of the local soils. On the palate it is medium bodied and firmly structured, the acidity bright and the tannins fine but persistent, closing on liquorice and a faint tar note. The estate's distinctive twisted bottle helps aerate the wine as it is poured. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead, alongside braised beef, game or aged Piedmontese cheese.