We have a terrific week of Italian greatness all mapped out, with the spotlight being shone on the iconic north-western region of Piedmont/Piemonte! We get the ball rolling with a selection that we believe come in at brilliant value! Whereas most regions of great prestige in the wine world have seen steep increases in prices in recent years, Piedmont has gracefully remained mostly stagnant, and in our eyes, these drops have never tasted better than they do now!
There's a fresh, zippy Cortese that was absolutely adored among our staff, alongside a selection of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo from Elio Altare and Olek Bondonio. For Yarra lovers, there is also a new release from Luke Lambert that marries intense structure with a moreish red fruit profile, in classic Nebbiolo style
2021 Nicola Bergaglio Gavi 'Minaia' Cortese - $34 on offer ; $39 RRP
"From a 5-ha single vineyard, called Minaia, of which part was planted on 1950 and part in 1980. This parcel was originally part of a larger vineyard owned by La Solca, which sold a plot to Bergaglio. A relative inherited the remainder of the holding, which became Il Poggio di Gavi. The first vintage of Miniaia was in 1987. Brilliant straw. The same subtlety on the nose as the Comune di Gavi Rovereto, but with more depth, complexity and purity. Purity is the key. Dramatic palate of fine acidity cutting through the elegant fruit. Enormous purity of citrus fruit, while the energetic acidity comes in waves. Electrifying finish." - 18/20 Points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
2021 Elio Altare Dolcetto d'Alba - $37 on offer ; $42 RRP
"Intense violet in color, this wine offers aromas of violets and black cherry. On the palate, it is dry and soft, with delicate tannins and a medium body. Easy drinking to be appreciated in the summer months, served a little chilled. Great with antipasto, pasta, white meat, light cheese, salami, pizza and paninis." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba is all class. Juicy dark plums, cloves, licorice and lavender are front and center. This succulent, racy Dolcetto is an absolute delight. I especially like the energy here. Altare's Dolcetto is once again a real highlight in 2021." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2021 Elio Altare Barbera d'Alba - $42 on offer ; $48 RRP
"Elio Altare Barbera d'Alba is a ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, aromas of violets and black cherry. It is warm and full bodied with the right acidity and nice lingering flavors of dark red fruits." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba is packed with jammy dark red fruit, spice, mocha and crushed flowers. Supple and juicy, with tons of fruit, the 2021 is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2021 Elio Altare Langhe Nebbiolo - $48 on offer ; $55 RRP
"Maceration on the skins for approx. 3/4 days in rotary fermenters with temperature control, short passage in used French barrique for 5 months. An intense ruby colour, with a nose of delicate, fresh aromas of rose petals and red fruits. Nice tannin structure on the palate, but not dry. Intense taste of red fruits and good acidity." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a fabulous entry-level wine from Altare. Succulent red cherry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and spice all meld together effortlessly. This mid-weight, supple Langhe Nebbiolo is a winner." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2021 Olek Bondonio Barbera d'Alba - $66 on offer ; $76 RRP
"Barbera from Olek's vineyard in Altavilla, at higher altitude and just outside of Barbaresco appellation. One month maceration on skins in stainless steel and then short ageing in barrel and botti. What a barbera! "lively purple colour, concentrated blueberry fruit, spices especially on the nutmeg, great freshness and savouriness" - Importer Notes
2021 Olek Bondonio Langhe Nebbiolo - $69 on offer ; $79 RRP
"This Nebbiolo comes from two beautiful vineyards: one in Serra Grilli (Neive), the other on very steep slopes in Roddino at 500 m a.s.l, in the middle of the forest. About a month maceration in cement and stainless steel, then aged in a big botti. If you think of nebbiolo, well this is the living wikipedia: violet, rose, liquorice, defined but silky tannins, all wrapped in Olek's charm." - Importer Notes
From Australia
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2021 Luke Lambert Yarra Valley Nebbiolo - $69 on offer ; $79 RRP
"Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, handpicked, destemmed, wild yeast fermented and held on skins for 18 days with frequent plunging and foot stomping. No temperature control. Pressed into Slavonian and French oak Foudre for 18 months prior to bottling without fining or filtration. 2021 was an outstanding growing season for Nebbiolo at the Denton site. This year’s release carries a riper and darker fruit profile than the previous couple of years and while there’s plenty of power and structure, the wine retains its alluring red fruited perfume. " - Winemaker Notes
If you wish to purchase any of these wines, please use the links above. Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices valid until Tuesday the 4th of July