What makes Gattinara wine so special?
The subalpine climate is mitigated by a good southern exposure and a specifically acidic glacial soil that works wonders with the rounding of Nebbiolo grapes. The wines in Gattinara, depending on the grower and the percentages of Bonarda or Vespolina grapes in the blend, are very aromatic, and can be as fragrant as a Barolo or Barbaresco.
What is Gattinara DOCG?
Gattinara DOCG is an appellation for red wine in Italy's northwestern Piedmont region.
What to drink in Gattinara?
The wines in Gattinara, depending on the grower and the percentages of Bonarda or Vespolina grapes in the blend, are very aromatic, and can be as fragrant as a Barolo or Barbaresco. It can also have a finer weight and intensity, thanks to the volcanic soil.
Why choose Gattinara Nebbiolo?
Stretching to the northernmost reaches of the Piemonte region and established as a DOCG in 1990, Gattinara is known for producing some of the area’s noblest and finest forms of Nebbiolo. The subalpine climate is mitigated by a good southern exposure and a specifically acidic glacial soil that works wonders with the rounding of Nebbiolo grapes.
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What grapes are used in Gattinara?
The wines in Gattinara, depending on the grower and the percentages of Bonarda or Vespolina grapes in the blend, are very aromatic, and can be as fragrant as a Barolo or Barbaresco.
What is the region of Gattinara?
A Guide to the Gattinara Region. Stretching to the northernmost reaches of the Piemonte region and established as a DOCG in 1990, Gattinara is known for producing some of the area’s noblest and finest forms of Nebbiolo.
3 Reasons to Try Gattinara
A Poor Man’s Wise Man’s Barolo – Gattinara may not carry the prestige of Barolo, but it carries a similar gravitas and delicious profile. Whether you want to always have a classy Nebbiolo on hand, or you want to get a Nebbiolo as a gift for a friend, Gattinara is worth considering.
About the Appellation and Its Wine
Situated in the foothills of the Alps, northwest of the city of Novara and south of Lake Orta, Gattinara lies in the province of Piedmont. Because it shares the Piedmont stage with two of Europe’s most titanic wines, it is chronically overshadowed.
My First Taste
Unlike other First Taste Guides, on this one, I’m a bit more of a veteran with Gattinara. I sampled a glass on a whim when in Italy in 2012, at a restaurant in Orta San Giulia. I asked the waiter to serve me a red wine, preferably one originating from nearby. Gattinara is what he brought.
It Gets Better With Age
Just last week, we opened a 2004 Petterino Gattinara. Now we were really exploring Gattinara’s aging potential — a full four years further than the 2006 Travaglini. Unlike many other producers, winemaker Marco Petterino holds on to his wines for nine to 10 years before releasing them.
2004 Petterino Gattinara
Tasting notes: Gorgeous garnet color with brick-orange edges. Aromas are intense and very attractive, with cherry and violets leading the way, followed by secondary aromas of fennel seed, musk, barnyard and earth at various times. A real shape-shifter as you move from a first to second glass.
