Travaglini Nebbiolo Coste Della Sesia 2024

Travaglini is a family estate in the hills of Gattinara, in Upper Piedmont near Monte Rosa, founded by Arturo Travaglini in 1958 and now run by the third generation. This is their Nebbiolo under the DOC Coste della Sesia, a broader appellation covering the Sesia river valley around Gattinara. Upper Piedmont is cooler and higher than the Langhe to the south, with porphyry and acidic volcanic soils that set its Nebbiolo apart, giving a more mineral, savoury and finely structured style. The cool continental climate and long autumn ripening suit Nebbiolo, a late ripening, thin skinned grape with high natural tannin and acidity. The wine is fermented to capture the variety's bright red fruit and aromatic lift, with the firm tannins kept in balance rather than masked. The result is a pale garnet red with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, dried rose and a herbal, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and savoury, with red fruit, fine grippy tannins, high acidity and a long finish carrying liquorice and a faint leather edge that reflects the cool, mineral terroir. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted. It is a fine match for roast game birds and mushroom dishes.