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Today’s selection from Italy’s Piedmont is only available in the through The Wine Spies. If you’re a fan of these Italy’s great wines, then be sure to place your order early. Our allocation is very limited.

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Mission Codename: Here Comes the Fog

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Acquire an exclusive allocation of an exclusive Nebbiolo for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Filippo Gallino

Wine Subject: 2009 Langhe DOC Nebbiolo

Backgrounder:

Langhe DOC in Italy’s Piedmont overlaps the same regions as Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera d’Alba. The red wines from Langhe DOC can blend specifically approved (including Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa, along with some non-domestic grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with the base local varietal Nebbiolo. Given the more flexible rules, the wines from Langhe are the Piedmont’s version of the popular Super Tuscan. This DOC was established in 1994, the DOC occupies mush of the province of Cuneo.

Today’s selection is a 100% Nebbiolo, the region’s most prolific and admired grape, is grown on the family’s 20 hectare low-yield vineyard, carefully harvested by hand and is aged is stainless steel letting the purity and character of the fruit to be fully revealed.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright ruby red with subtle garnet streaks and reflections in its clear core. Lighter ruby red with orange and pinkish hues along the edges and when swirled, slow medium-thick legs cling to the side of the glass.

Smell – Bright aromas of fresh red fruit including red cherry, raspberry and strawberry with notes of dried plum and raisin as well. Zesty wild anise, sweet and hot spice and floral rose petals invites a sip.

Feel – Well structured tightly etched tannins and vibrant acidity linger with its distinct textured minerality makes this medium bodied dry wine perfect for pairing with food.

Taste – Fresh, sweet and tart red fruit including red Italian cherry, raspberry along with the dried plum and raisin from the nose blend with zesty hot spicy pepper and other sweet spices. The acidity and mineral framework holds the fruit as other complex flavors emerge.

Finish -Very long and clean with the fresh red fruit fading with the mouth coating and expansive textured minerality lingering on the palate.

Conclusion – The 2009 Filippo Gallino Langhe DOC Nebbiolo is a wine that showcases the Nebbiolo grape in its purest form. Unconstrained by oak, the fresh red fruit, spice and texture provides a racy drinking experience. This wine is a perfect food wine and will go perfectly with anything from creamy cheeses, spicy pastas or lighter meats. Enjoy now (let it breathe for 30 minutes to open) or cellar for 3-5 years.

Guest Review – Agent Korny

Filippo Gallino Langhe Nebbiolo Piedmont region of Italy – Stainless steel fermentation gives this fabulous wine a mineraly taste followed by fresh red fruit flavors. The first sip delivers a spicy prune taste followed by strawberry, raspberry and a bit of blueberry flavors. Tannic with a round, supple, “warm” mouth-feel, this easy-drinking red pairs well with your favorite pasta with marinara sauce or an aged, sharp, nutty table cheese from Italy called Piave.

Operative Note: If you are visiting the Seacoast of New Hampshire, not far from The Wine Spies crackpot command center, you can visit Agent Korny at the Cornucopia Wine and Cheese Market, a fantastic place to stock up on fine cheese, meats and of course great wine.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Lorenzo Quinterno

WINE JOB BRIEF: I work at getting the most from the potential of the grape.

WINE-MAKING PHILOSOPHY: To highlight the typicity the grape

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Wine is one of the most civilized thing in the world.” Ernest Hemingway, Death in the Afternoon – 1932

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Locorotondo D.O.C. 1984

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Lorenze. We are thrilled to be showing your delicious 2009 Langhe D.O.C. Nebbiolo today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

LORENZO: Thank you! We are excited to be featured on The Wine Spies again.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

LORENZO: The example of my parents and grandparents, wine producers for about 150 years

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your wine-making style?

LORENZO: Matthew Correggia who through our friendship prodded me to always improve.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

LORENZO: For myself and friends, hoping that they are also my clients.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

LORENZO: It is wine made with in the traditional wine-making style and aged in stainless steel. It shows a ruby ​​red color and nuances of garnet. The nose is fruity, slightly spicy with hints of roses. On the palate it is warm, tannic with a good balance of acidity, long, dry, with a pleasant finish of berries.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

LORENZO: This wine goes well with many dishes from a simple pasta dish to meats both red and white.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Langhe region so special?

LORENZO: The uniqueness of the wines of this region is due to the altitude of its hills, its micro-climate and the substrata of soil that leaves an indelible mark on the wines obtained from it.

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

LORENZO: Work in the vineyards and cellars

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

LORENZO: Wine is a living material, so every bottle has its own history, the approach must ’be of interest and curiosity.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our operatives?

LORENZO: A glass of our 2009 Nebbiolo Langhe together.

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Filippo Gallino in the Roero just north of Alba can be seen in this satellite photo.