Nervi-Conterno Gattinara 2016

Starting in 2018, the Nervi estate is fully under the control of Roberto Conterno of the Giacomo Conterno estate in Monforte d'Alba.

Gattinara became a DOCG in 1990, but due to its size and historical inaccessibility to the market, has largely been a region for those in the know. Examples from superior vintages like 1961 or ’64, ’78, or ’96, which have occasionally been seen here, prove it is a clear rival to the best Langhe Nebbiolo. Roberto Conterno certainly thinks so, with his admiration for the capacity for Nebbiolo to generate thrilling wines from this tiny appellation of 65ha given dramatic illustration by his recent purchase of the original producer of Gattinara, Nervi. At times on recent visits to the Langhe, we have been told - “Roberto can’t receive your visit on that day as he is in the north…” - Now we know why.

Roberto has seen it a strength to retain existing local contact and expertise, he has encouraged previous owners the Astrup family and the winemaker Enrico Fileppo – with his experience of 30 plus Gattinara vintages – to remain. An exciting new chapter for all involved. – Importer.

The vintage Gattinara, effectively the normale, is comprised of four key plots, Casacce, Garavoglie, Molsino and Valferana. The wine is fermented and macerated in steel at controlled temperatures, for 20 to 30 days, followed by 30 months in large wood.

‘Tasted from the barrel, the 2016 Gattinara will be bottled in September and will hit the market one month later in October. This is a more important wine compared to the 2015. It shows more depth and substance in the mouth and more length. It's more robust too. The consumer should wait several more months for this one. Drink 2021-2030.’ 91-93 Points. Monica Lerner, The Wine Advocate #243.