Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2015

"One of my top ten Piedmont producers. I have a list. I unfold it, look at it, read it aloud a few times, and tuck it safely away."  Gary Walsh

Azienda Agricola Giovanni Rosso is a family-owned estate located in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, which marks the eastern border of the Barolo zone. The family has farmed vineyards in the area since the 1890s, however, they have only released wines under the 'Giovanni Rosso' label since 1995. Winemaker Davide Rosso, Giovanni's son, aims to make wine that accurately reflects the terroir, in this case from the many slopes they own in Serralunga d'Alba - in particular from the very special crus of Vigna Rionda, Cerretta and Serra.  

"This is a young vine selection, but all Serralunga, I believe. Spice, new leather, sweet dark cherry, something of a thyme/lavender garden perfume going on too. It’s pushing to full-bodied, with firm suede tannin pushing through red berries and cherry, distinct earthy thing happening too, the gravelly intent of Serralunga making itself known. Finish is clear, and tannic, with some black tea in the aftertaste. It’s ripe and fleshy, but has some restraint. It’s a fine introduction to the region."  Gary Walsh

The grapes for Giovanni Rosso's classic Langhe Nebbiolo are sourced from around a dozen sites across Piedmont. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and softly crushed, and the juice is fermented in contact with the skins in concrete tanks for about 15 days prior to maturation in large 500L French oak barrels for a few months. 

The Giovanni Rosso Story

Expert reviews 

"This is a young vine selection, but all Serralunga, I believe. Spice, new leather, sweet dark cherry, something of a thyme/lavender garden perfume going on too. It’s pushing to full-bodied, with firm suede tannin pushing through red berries and cherry, distinct earthy thing happening too, the gravelly intent of Serralunga making itself known. Finish is clear, and tannic, with some black tea in the aftertaste. It’s ripe and fleshy, but has some restraint. It’s a fine introduction to the region. Drink: 2018-2024."  Gary Walsh, The Wine Front – 92 points

"This nebbiolo is such a wonderful introduction to the grape variety and region, from its pretty and classic rose petal nose to the spicy, liquorice tar notes, and as is increasingly common, very well managed. The colour is pinot-like and the fruit is too, with its juicy drink-me-now demeanour. Another superb 2015 from Italy, and what a bargain. Back up the truck. This would be a turkey slayer too."  Anthony Gismondi, gismondionwine.com - 90 points

Piedmont Nebbiolo

The Piedmont wine region is located in the north-west corner of Italy. The name Piemonte means "at the foot of the mountains", the mountains in this case being the Alps. Piedmont is just Italy’s seventh largest wine region, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality.

Piedmont is famous for its Nebbiolo wines. Nebbiolo, the most exalted wine variety of Piedmont, gets its name from the Italian word for 'fog', nebbia. During harvest, which generally takes place late in October, a deep, intense fog sets into the Langhe region where the Nebbiolo vineyards are located. The Nebbiolo heartland is the tiny Barolo production zone, a cluster of fog-prone hills around the village of the same name.

Nebbiolo is early-budding, but also late-ripening. It needs good weather and lots of sunlight to achieve full ripeness, which is why the best vineyards for growing Nebbiolo are located on hillsides that are exposed to plenty of sunlight. Hence the suitability of the slopes of the Langhe hills near the town of Alba. Nebbiolo is only planted on the hills at an altitude above 250m, as fog hangs over lower vineyards for large parts of the day and there is no chance of making decent wine from this late-ripening variety if it is not exposed to maximum sunshine. The lower vineyards are generally planted with Barbera or Dolcetto.

Soil types also play a crucial role. Nebbiolo thrives on calcareous marl, a lime-rich mudstone that is found on the right bank of the Tanaro River, home to the famous appellations Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo grapes grown on other soil types tend to make wines that are not as aromatic and elegant.

Nebbiolo produces a full-bodied wine with high levels of acidity and tannin, particularly when it is young - at odds with its light colour. It also has great aging potential – particularly the Barbaresco and Barolo wines that garner the highest price tags.

The two highest classifications of wines produced from Nebbiolo in Piedmont are the DOCG denomination Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) and the DOC denomination Denominazione d'Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Origin).

In total, there are seventeen DOCG and DOC wines made in Piedmont. The five applicable to Nebbiolo are Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG and Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC (which must be made from 100% Nebbiolo) and Roero DOCG and Langhe Nebbiolo DOC (which must be made from at least 85% Nebbiolo).

 DOCG and DOC Nebbiolo production zones in Piedmont

Barolo DOCG is perhaps the most famous Nebbiolo wine. Its name derives from the small town in the heart of the Barolo production zone, but it is produced in eleven communes around the larger hillside towns in the area. Barolo DOCG wines must be made from 100% Nebbiolo and must age in oak for at least 18 months with a total age time of 38 months before release. Barolo Riserva DOCG must age in oak for at least 18 months with a total age time of 62 months before being released.

Barbaresco DOCG is often described as more elegant than the more powerful Barolo, the 'queen' to Barolo’s 'king'. Barbaresco DOCG wines must be made from 100% Nebbiolo. The production zone is tiny, a third of the size of Barolo, and has less stringent regulations. Barbaresco DOCG wines must age in oak for at least 9 months with a total age time of 26 months before release. Barbaresco Riserva DOCG must age in oak for at least 9 months with a total age time of 50 months before being released.

Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC is produced between Barolo and Barbaresco. Near the two zones the wines are full-bodied and age very well. Further away, they’re delicate and best drunk young. This wine can also come from grapes from Barola or Barbaresco not quite up to heavenly standards, such as grapes from new vineyards in the famous hills or from less exalted vineyards. Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC wines must be made from 100% Nebbiolo and must age for at least 12 months before release. Nebbiolo d’Alba Superiore DOC wines must age in oak for at least 6 months with a total age time of 18 months before being released.

Roero DOCG is a little known zone just north of Barolo within the Langhe. Roero DOCG wines must be at least 95% Nebbiolo and must age in oak for at least 6 months with a total age time of 20 months before release. Roero Riserva DOCG must age in oak for at least 6 months with a total age time of 32 months before being released.

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC falls in (is a subset of) one of the largest wine zones in Piedmont, Langhe DOC. The Langhe DOC covers 54 communes of the Langhe and Roero hills. Varietally focused wines can include the name Langhe plus the grape. All told, there are 23 different forms of Langhe wines with Langhe Nebbiolo being just one. Langhe Nebbiolo DOC wines can come from anywhere in the Langhe i.e. from any of the four zones above (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo d’Alba or Roero). Langhe Nebbiolo DOC must be at least 85% Nebbiolo and allow for up to 15% of other indigenous grape varieties, such as such as Barbera and Dolcetto. In practice most are made entirely from Nebbiolo.

Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont, where the Nebbiolo grape is king

Langhe Nebbiolo

 

The following text is taken from an article by Kevin Day titled 'First-Taste Guide to Langhe Nebbiolo' at www.openingabottle.com

There are many ways to define "fine wine". Perhaps it is a wine that can age, or a wine that will increase in value. Maybe it is just a wine that is perfectly balanced and timeless. However, in terms of drinking culture, it is fairly straightforward: a fine wine is a wine people fuss over. They catalogue it, chart its vintages, obsess over when to open it, how to open it, whether to decant it, and at what exact temperature to serve it. If all this fuss has turned you off to fine wine - yet drinking well is still important to you - then allow Langhe Nebbiolo to step up to the plate.

Hailing from the iconic Barolo and Barbaresco zones of Piedmont, Italy (as well as numerous adjacent hillsides), this broad category of red wine showcases the earthy flavors of Nebbiolo with just a hint of the zone’s characteristic gravitas. It can hold its own at an important feast, yet be affordable enough for you to pick up a second or third bottle so no one goes thirsty. And its tannin profile is rarely severe enough to call for cellar-aging or decanting. Just pop, pour and indulge.

"Langhe Nebbiolo could be very, very light and very fresh," says fifth-generation winemaker Alfio Cavallotto of the eponymous Barolo estate. "Or, as in our case, the wine is a fantastic wine for aging. So there are many, many different styles."

But, he cautions, "it’s complicated." Complicated in a good way. Langhe Nebbiolo’s spectrum of styles stems from the diversity of the winemaking families that have come to define the region. Some are fiercely traditional. Some are experimental.

In the Langhe Hills, the grape reaches its most intense expression in the form of Barolo. The Langhe Nebbiolo category was designed to give producers a quicker-to-market Nebbiolo wine to sell while the bigger, bolder wines mature in the cellar. By its nature, it is more affordable for consumers.

Let’s be honest: for all of its glory, Barolo and many top Barbaresco can be a bit of a bear in youth. Langhe Nebbiolo wines tend to be more focused on freshness and fruit, without entirely sacrificing the savory and earthy character that the grape (and the region) is known for. You won’t be laying these wines down in your cellar (though you certainly could with some), but you are likely to be drinking them more often given their cost. And as far as dinner guests go, they’re delightful company.

The first thing to know about these wines is what the word Langhe refers to - a series of captivating hills rising south of the city of Alba. Its name is a derivation of "tongues", likely because of their ridge-like shape.

It is in the Langhe that we find the small villages of Barolo and Barbaresco, and the protected appellation-based wines in their name. Made from the beguiling Nebbiolo grape, these highly refined wines can age for decades. Their singularity and complexity have resulted in international acclaim, as well as high prices. Protecting the brand behind these village names are some of the most stringent regulations in Italy. For example, Barolo requires 38 months of aging with 18 of those months spent in an oak vessel.

These are not wines that you typically open at release. In order to tease out their details and optimize your sensory experience, anywhere from five to 10 to 20 years of cellaring the wine is ideal. Which begs the question: what should we drink in the meantime?

The role of Langhe Nebbiolo in Barolo and Barbaresco

Alfio Cavallotto explained to me that before the creation of the Langhe DOC, producers within the Barolo and Barbaresco zones were more limited in their production options, particularly with their younger vines of Nebbiolo. Young vines can be more vigorous and fruity, but - as Cavallotto noted - they often do not yield the proper structure for Barolo. Replanting vines is a necessity at times, but growers in the area were faced with two unsatisfying options: wait 10 to 15 years to use the fruit from their plantings or have a less-structured final wine. 

It quickly became apparent that a so-called "second wine" category was needed. Popularized in Bordeaux but adapted for use in places like Montalcino, a second wine is essentially a simpler, more quenching version of a prestige wine. Often, they rely on the fruit from younger vines or slightly less-than-ideal vineyard exposures. As the wine industry grew increasingly international in the 1990s, Barolo and Barbaresco winemakers saw a need for such a wine. However, they had another hurdle to clear: few people even knew about Nebbiolo’s varietal character. They may have known about Barolo, and in some cases Barbaresco, but not the grape that made them.

"I remember in the 1980s and ’90s it was very, very difficult to sell Nebbiolo outside of Italy in the foreign markets," Alfio recollected, speaking of the varietally labeled wines. "But after a while, some customers began to taste some [Langhe Nebbiolo] and they said 'oh wow.' It’s not Barolo, but it is a food wine. It is very approachable, very drinkable."

The Appellation Rules

Piedmont is fiercely committed to the idea of appellations of origin. Producers simply don’t freestyle here like they sometimes do in Tuscany, Sicily or Veneto. As a result, Piedmont does not have an IGT wine category.

That said, the winemakers are not stuck-in-the-past either. As Barolo and Barbaresco began to achieve international fame in the 1980s and 1990s, several other needs emerged for local producers — beyond just what to do with younger vines in Barolo and Barbaresco. Awash in red wines from local, little-known grapes, the temptation to diversify with international varieties — particularly whites like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling — prompted calls for new denominations.

"For us producers, we should be free to make what is the best thing," Alfio stated.

It was with this in mind that the Langhe DOC was created in 1994 to give winemakers more latitude with their winemaking, while preserving the tradition of not only the Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG, but also Barbera d’Alba DOC and Dolcetto d’Alba DOC.

The Langhe DOC covers 54 communes of the Langhe and Roero hills. Rosso and Bianco designations refer to blends, while varietally focused wines (a minimum of 85% from a single grape) can include the name Langhe plus the grape. All told, there are 23 different forms of Langhe wines with Langhe Nebbiolo being just one.

Here’s where it gets complicated for consumers. There already existed a category for non-Barolo/non-Barbaresco Nebbiolo wines: the Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC. Created in 1970, it was intended for producers with quality Nebbiolo vineyards outside the two prestigious zones. With the creation of Langhe Nebbiolo, these producers suddenly had two paths to pursue: follow the more stringent aging requirements for quality of the Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC, or go with the increasingly more recognized (but more open-ended) regulations of Langhe Nebbiolo DOC.

"In the last 10 years, I think that Langhe Nebbiolo - in my opinion - has become much more important than Nebbiolo d’Alba," notes Alfio Cavallotto, adding that the evolution in quality for the former has largely negated the intent of the latter’s more stringent rules. "I suspect that in the future we will have just one denomination - Langhe - for everybody."

The spectrum of taste in Langhe Nebbiolo

One way in which the quality revolution of Langhe Nebbiolo has eclipsed that of Nebbiolo d’Alba lies in terroir. Since Langhe Nebbiolo fruit can come from Barolo and/or Barbaresco vineyards, the wines can essentially be "“declassified" versions. But what exactly does that mean?

Barolo draws its magic from 170 designated vineyards, while Barbaresco is smaller, and contains 66 named geographical units. These vineyards are mostly planted to Nebbiolo, but there are some exceptions. Since this grape is particularly terroir-sensitive, winemakers have a lot of options to choose from depending on each plot’s sun exposure, drainage and most importantly — for purposes of Langhe Nebbiolo — vine age. As we noted above, the younger vines (typically under 10 years of age) have an exuberance to their fruit that matches better for Langhe Nebbiolo. Meanwhile, the older vines tend to give lower yields but high concentration, more structure and complexity. (Note: Winegrowers are not obliged to use only young-vine fruit in Langhe Nebbiolo. They have the latitude to select older vines if they choose, but typically they are reserved for the highest-level wines).

This would be the first scenario in which Langhe Nebbiolo could function as a declassified Barolo (or Barbaresco, for that matter). The producer simply harvests and vinifies the younger vines separately.

The second aspect is what occurs in the winery, and here is where we find the spectrum of Langhe Nebbiolo stretching. Some producers will allow the grapes to macerate for a short time, then allow the wine to settle in a neutral vessel, such as a stainless-steel tank. The aim? Fruity tones, freshness and a softer texture. In other words, easy consumption.

Meanwhile, other winemakers - such as Cavallotto as well as Vietti and Produttori del Barbaresco, to name just a few - will employ the same extended-fermentation technique (anywhere from 14 to 30 days) that they would use for their Barolo or Barbaresco. The goal here is to extract Nebbiolo’s structure and aromatic complexity as much as possible. Usually, a producer who has chosen this path will also aim to age the wine in an oak vessel of some kind to allow the wine’s piercing acidity and pronounced tannins some time to evolve. New oak and American oak are generally avoided for this reason: they impart too much oaky personality to an already structured wine.

When I asked Alfio why they chose to make such a structured version of Langhe Nebbiolo, his response was matter of fact.

"We are a very historical, old family and we are exactly in the center of Barolo. Speaking about Nebbiolo for us …" He paused and shrugged a bit, "Nebbiolo is a Barolo." In other words, what other style could they possibly make that said anything genuine about them? But he also noted that their lack of vineyard holdings outside Barolo - and even their lack of less-than-prime vineyards inside Barolo - led them to this identity.

"Probably my father and uncle - also my grandfather - they weren’t so great businessmen. We have always been farmers and have never wanted to grow the business much."

And in many ways, that statement defines the spectrum of Langhe Nebbiolo most precisely. Some are borne out of business ambition and a desire to round out a portfolio of wines. Others are merely a place to bottle the younger grapes from the area’s signature terroir.

In fact, I believe that no other wine in the area transmits the identity of these families more quickly and easily than their Langhe Nebbiolo. For all their majesty, Barolo and Barbaresco take ample time and study to fully appreciate. That’s what makes them so compelling, so irresistible and yes, even so maddening. In short, that’s what makes them a fine wine.

But in the space between those bottles, I’m glad we have Langhe Nebbiolo to play with. It’s a way of getting to know the winemaking families of the Langhe.

The winery

"While Giovanni Rosso isn’t one of the best known Barolo estates, it is one of the best."  Jamie Goode

Azienda Agricola Giovanni Rosso is a family-owned estate located in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, which marks the eastern border of the Barolo zone. The family has farmed vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba since the 1890s, however, the first real qualitative leap took place in the 1980s when Giovanni Rosso restructured most of the vineyards with modern planting layouts.

By focusing his energy on the vineyards, Giovanni was responsible for the meteoric rise in the fortunes of the estate. He raised the quality of the fruit to such a level that wines were released under the 'Giovanni Rosso' label for the first time in 1995.

Giovanni's son, the very talented Davide Rosso, completed his degree in Oenology and departed for France, gaining experience working in Alsace, Champagne and Burgundy, most notably with Domaine Jean Grivot and Denis Mortet. In 2001, at the age of 27, he returned to his father’s side and took over as head of the winery. Davide had one goal in mind, to make wine that accurately reflected the terroir - in this case from the many slopes they own in Serralunga d'Alba.

The vineyards are managed organically and although there is no certification, no pesticides or herbicides are used. Today, there are 12 hectares under vine, which include vineyards in the special crus of Vigna Rionda, Cerretta and Serra:

• Cerretta, which is on calcareous clay, has been owned by the family since 1920 and was partly replanted in 1984 and 2000.
• La Serra, which is on limestone, was acquired by the family in 1946 and vines were planted in 1984, 1996 and 2003.
  
• The jewel in the crown, Vigna Rionda, is on a mix of calcareous clay and sandstone. It was acquired in 2010 when the previous owner, Davide's uncle Tommaso Canale, passed away. Davide replanted three-quarters of the vineyard to nebbiolo but left the remaining quarter, with its magnificent old vine nebbiolo which was planted in 1946, intact. Davide makes two wines from the vineyard, both named in honour of his mother, Ester Canale. One is the Nebbiolo Langhe Rosso (from the young vines) and the other the Barolo Vigna Rionda Rosso (from the old vines).
  

The Giovanni Rosso cantina (winery) is located just over two kilometers north of Serralunga d’Alba village, in the small hamlet of Baudana, which offers beautiful views of the many vineyards that surround it. The winery is a traditional family cascina, or farmhouse, and houses the majority of Giovanni Rosso’s wine production together with the fermentation, bottling and labeling facilities, as well as the offices.

The Vineyards

Vignarionda, Serralunga d'Alba

Area: 0.85 Hectares   
Variety: Nebbiolo 
Elevation: 355m    
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
Owned by the Rosso family since 1934, it was replanted in 1945 and partly in 2011
The soil is a mix of calcareous clay or marl and sandstone  

Cerretta, Serralunga d'Alba  

Area: 3.5 Hectare 
Varieties: Nebbiolo and Barbera
Elevation: 360m   
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
Owned by the Rosso family since 1920, it was partly replanted in 1984 and 2000
The soil is essentially made up of calcareous clay or marl

La Serra, Serralunga d'Alba  

Area: 1 Hectare 
Variety: Nebbiolo
Elevation: 378m      
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
Owned by the Rosso family since 1946, vines planted in 1984, 1996 and 2003
The soil is noticeably white, being rich in active calcium (limestone)

Meriame, Serralunga d'Alba 

Area: 1 Hectare 
Variety: Nebbiolo   
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
Owned by the Rosso family since 1946
The soil is noticeably white, being rich in active calcium (limestone)

Broglio, Serralunga d'Alba   

Area: ½ Hectare 
Varieties: Nebbiolo and Dolcetto   
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
The soil consists of a particularly high percentage of sand      

Sorano, Serralunga d'Alba

Area: 2 Hectares   
Variety: Nebbiolo   
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
This was partly replanted in 2008 replacing vines planted in 1947
The soil is a deep calcareous clay

Costa Bella, Serralunga d'Alba

Area: 2 Hectares   
Varieties: Dolcetto d'Alba and Barbera d'Alba 
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare     
Planted in 1959
The soil is essentially made up of a calcareous clay

Lirano, Serralunga d'Alba

Area: About 1 Hectare   
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 
Planting Density: 5,000 / hectare   
Owned by the Rosso family since 1946, it was planted in 2000 with Sauvignon Blanc
The soil is rich in sand, shade supplied by the surrounding woods

Damiano, Serralunga d'Alba

Area: About 1 Hectare   
Varieties: Dolcetto d'Alba and Barbera d'Alba   
Planted in 1994 and 2000, it's a very cool, breezy vineyard
The soil is rich in limestone and minerals