Nervi-Conterno Gattinara 2021

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.

Coming from four crus within the Gattinara commune, ranging between 290-420 metres in elevation (Molsino, Valferana, Garavoglie, and Casacce vineyards).  

The region was decimated by a hailstorm that damaged 75% of the crop on June 29th at 11pm. Otherwise, the season was very normal, with large diurnal shift, and the fruit that was harvested was exceptional in quality. Roberto describes 21 as a powerful vintage with beautiful aromatics, fruit definition and poise of structure, with perfectly formed tannins and vivacity. The wines are very expressive, and are a lovely complement to the Langhe in this prized vintage.

After gentle destemming and crushing, fermentation and maceration of 18-20 days occurred in 65-70HL truncated conical oak vats followed by aging in large oak for 36 months before bottling. Roberto purchased 12 new Stockinger tini in recent years, with the others all originals from Nervi estate, some are 55 years old. Importer's notes.