2015 Eloro “Spaccaforno”Riofavara
Italy | Sicily
$22
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Don’t be fooled: this is a simple Langhe Nebbiolo in name and in price, but there is much more to it. The grapes are sourced from parcels adjacent to two legendary Barolo crus in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba: Lazzarito and the fabled Vigna Rionda. Having tasted Porro’s Baroli from these two sites, I infer that the Lazzarito portion provides this Nebbiolo with its surprising finesse, in the form of plush, toothsome fruit and a lovely perfume of dried flowers. The Vigna Rionda portion, conversely, supplies power and earthy grip. You’ll find enough structure to take this rosso seriously, but not enough to keep you from gulping it down unabashedly.
—Anthony Lynch
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Nebbiolo |
Appellation: | Langhe |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | Guido Porro |
Winemaker: | Guido Porro |
Vineyard: | 10-20 years, .35 ha |
Soil: | Clay, Limestone |
Aging: | Six or seven months in 500-L tonneaux |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now nine Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
Silvio Giamello Italy | Piedmont | Barbaresco
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont | Barbera d’Alba
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont
Benevelli Piero Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Baldin Italy | Piedmont | Bramaterra
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Bèrto Vermouth Italy | Piedmont
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa