Sourced from young vines in the Langhe region of Piedmonte in North West Italy. Comprised of 75% Barbera 25% Nebbiolo, fermented in stainless steel and then matured separately in a “mix of small French oak casks and large Slavonion oak for eight months.” The parcels were then blended and matured for a further four months in large oak casks. Winemaker is Danilo Drocco, currently of Nino Negri but having spent more than 10 years at the celebrated Fontanafredda . Note, bottle image is of 2015 but nothing else has changed.

Maretti, Rosso, Langhe, 2017

RIpe and overt nose: bitter herbs, licorice choc, plum, cherry, lacquer, berry coulis, vanilla, coconut, cedary oak, graphite pencil mineral and a touch of animal sheepskin. Full palate, chary vanilla oak over stretched fruit…hints of raisin and intense herbals with jangly acidity and gritty tannins. A bit shouty as a standalone but does have some roguish charm and works a treat with hard Italian cheeses and salumi.

RRP: $24
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 16.75/20

Wine sample courtesy of Fourth Wave Wine