WTN: A lovely bin-end Gattinara

Gattinara 1993 – Azienda Monsecco – Alc. 12.5%

I bought three bottles of this last year at the bin end price of € 5. This was by far the freshest and most youthful of the three (also the last). The two previous were bricking noticeably and showed a somewhat dark and dessicated mineral distinction.

C: Quite light and transparent but not much bricking.
N: Quite restrained but showing elegant notes of minerals, violet and kirsch.
P: Medium bodied at most and not big in flavour but distinguished and classically shaped; much more focused and fruity than the previous bottles and complex with some cherry in particular coming through together with finely appealing bright acidity, minerality and tar notes which supported the finish; a lovely elegant bottle; 16.5/20.

On this form I certainly want more Gattinara. Can anyone recommend classical style producers?

On this form I certainly want more Gattinara. Can anyone recommend classical style producers?

Don't see very many in my market, Tim, but of the two most common--Travaglini (with its distinctively pinched bottle) and Nervi--I'd say Travaglini is more traditional. By U.S. standards, a decent Gattinara for 5 euro is good value indeed.

I have particularly enjoyed the bottlings of the producer Antoniolo, and in particular the Osso San Grotto bottling. Jim

I second the support for Antoniolo, probably the most consistent larger house in Gattinara, and priced above most of the neighborhood for vineyard-designated versions especially. I see prices run around $30 for the village versions, $50 or so for vineyard designated for a very good year like 2001.

Some near-equals in style and quality (but not price) include nebbiolo wines labeled simply as Spanna. Dessilani and Vallana release inexpensive Spanna Riservas which are quite good, very inexpensive and also age well despite the light textures. My Vallana 1985s are still nice today.

On this form I certainly want more Gattinara. Can anyone recommend classical style producers?

Don't see very many in my market, Tim, but of the two most common--Travaglini (with its distinctively pinched bottle) and Nervi--I'd say Travaglini is more traditional. By U.S. standards, a decent Gattinara for 5 euro is good value indeed.

Tim, the Travaglini won hands down at the recent Blind Challenge. See my note!

Bob