Well-developed and complex Nebbiolo Riserva from Roero, with flavours of dried rose, dark-roast espresso and black pepper

This Riserva wine comes from the Renesio cru, which is located just north of Canale (pictured) – the largest comune in Roero. It is made from 100% Nebbiolo, grown on the south-east-facing slope of the hill, between 260 and 320 metres above sea level. The grapes are hand-harvested in October, and fermented in stainless steel. The wine is then matured for 24 months in oak barrels.

Now the 2012 vintage can be enjoyed in full, as the austere and powerful tannins of Nebbiolo have softened and the flavours have evolved. The label features the esoteric crest of Malvirà, which sends a profound message: an angel and a demon spinning the wheel of fortune.

Tasting notes

In the glass, this well-aged Nebbiolo Riserva wine has a medium garnet colour. It opens up fortissimo with aromas of dried rose, cedar wood and dried blackberry. The wine goes on to reveal notes of sweet Amsterdam pipe tobacco, vanilla, dried herbs and black pepper. On the palate, it is complex and dry, with a full body and velvety tannins, and a bitter dark-roast espresso finish.

Awards

James Suckling: 92/100 (2011 vintage) | Vitae la Guida Vini – 4 vines (2013, 2011 vintages)