Gattinara Riserva (2012) - Travaglini

Travaglini is the producer that symbolises Gattinara and has made a decisive contribution to the revival of the appellation. The iconic bottle shape is not just aesthetic: it is designed to hold back any sediment from long-lived Nebbiolo. 2012 was a balanced vintage in Alto Piemonte, capable of giving wines that are less powerful than in other vintages but of great elegance and precision.

The appellation: Gattinara DOCG

The Gattinara DOCG is one of the historic appellations of Piedmont, in the upper part of the region, in the province of Vercelli, on the slopes of the Pennine Alps.Here Nebbiolo, known locally as Spanna, gives wines of great finesse, complexity and longevity, with characteristics very different from those of Barolo or Barbaresco. Gattinara represents the alpine, mineral soul of Nebbiolo, expressing the variety in a more taut, vertical and austere key, thanks to the volcanic soils and the cool climate.

What to eat with Gattinara Riserva

Who makes it: Travaglini

On the northern Piedmont scene, Travaglini is one of the most recognisable and coherent names of Gattinara DOCG. A historic winery that has played a decisive part in defining the identity of Nebbiolo on volcanic soils, giving rise to austere, deep wines capable of very long evolution.

The vine of Gattinara Riserva

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is one of the greatest black grape varieties in the world and the pride of Piedmont, capable of producing wines of extraordinary elegance, complexity and longevity. It is the basis of Barolo and Barbaresco, but also of many other noble appellations of northern Italy. The name may derive from “nebbia” (fog), because of the waxy bloom that covers the ripe berries or because of the often late harvest, between October and November, when the fogs wrap the hills of the Langhe.

Gattinara Riserva: the area

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Rocky / granite

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Gattinara Riserva

Primary aromas: Cherry, Pomegranate, Rose

Secondary aromas: liquorice, Pepper, Spices, Black tea

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Undergrowth, Tobacco

Tasting notes: A bright garnet red colour with orange highlights, typical of evolution. The nose is deep and layered, with dried flowers, ripe red fruit, spice and a marked mineral imprint. The palate is austere and vertical: dense but very fine tannins, vibrant acidity and substantial structure. The sip is long, dry and elegant, with a persistent finish of ferrous, balsamic and spicy notes. A mountain Nebbiolo that expresses great classicism and longevity.