Gattinara 2018

Mauro Franchino devoted his life to Spanna, the local name for Nebbiolo, working some of the most prized parcels, including the historical Lurghe cru. The vineyards, overlooking Gattinara and the Sesia river, are planted on rocky granite soils that are rich in iron, potassium and manganese.  The wines are made in the humble cantina in Gattinara's centro storico below Mauro's house.  Now in his 80's, Mauro recently passed the estate to his nephew, Alberto Raviciotto, who proudly carries on the Franchino name and tradition - and this is a very traditional wine.

Following a lengthy maceration in concrete, the wine is aged for three years in old botti. Old school with stacks of charm, there's complex notes of red fruits with game, leather, dried herbs and spice, the palate savoury with firm drying tannins. Cellar forever.