Antoniolo. Gattinara Riserva

Gattinara Riserva DOCG
Grape: Nebbiolo

A fine and forward vintage, it has an immediate quality with joyous ripe fruit and almost welcoming tannins.

Antoniolo producer page

This, the ‘Gattinara Classico’ is taken from all the sites, Osso San Grato, Le Castelle and San Francesco. It is the benchmark Gattinara with forward fruit that has the ability to age over decades.  The vines are picked by hand, the grapes sorted before a spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine is aged for three years in botti (20hl) made from both Slavonian and French oak.

Archive

2017 is a vintage that gives the Gattinara lovely floral, intense fruit aromas; fine, ripe damson, and approachable tannins.  For a warm vintage, the fruit is very fine - I think this is a classic Gattinara from a vintage that seems to have slipped under the radar: less obvious than 2015 and not so far from the immense 2016.

2016: An absurdly glorious wine, with both power and restraint.  The deep strawberry and blackberry fruit is immaculate, confident, and fine; tobacco, old rose and chocolate orange peek through.  Whilst enjoyable, this wine will develop over 2 decades, it is a genuine epic. 14%

2015: Rich tannic structure, deep liquorice, herb, tobacco and Turkish coffee.  An extraordinary Gattinara. 14%
VINOUS  Review 16/10/2022:  Score:92
The 2015 Gattinara Riserva is an absolutely gorgeous wine. Rich and pliant in the glass, the 2015 offers a striking interplay of rich fruit, bright acids and tannic spine. A whole range of floral and savory overtones arrive later. Although quite accessible today, the 2015 has the energy and verve to drink well for many years to come. More importantly, it is an especially superb wine considering it is the ‘entry-level’ Gattinara in this range. It is so impressive, especially considering its price. I tasted the 2015 from a half bottle, the format currently available in the US.

2014: Intricate, red-berry laced beautiful Nebbiolo. Ripe and rounded tannins with deep strawberry fruit on the fore, lifted by mint and rose. Stunning wine.  13.5%
2014 was a difficult vintage that was responsible for some very good, approachable wines. The yield was down by 50%

2013: Old English rose, black cherry and forest strawberry aromas. Deep, full and fine crunchy Nebbiolo fruit, intricate red berry, orange peel and floral nuance. Tannins are fine and will ensure a long life.  13.5%