Monchiero Carbone Roero Printi Riserva DOCG

Monchiero Carbone have been making Roero Printi since 1997, which is remembered as one of the most interesting vintages of the decade. The selection set out to produce a wine that could measure itself against the more structured Piedmontese reds, and deal confidently with decidedly long periods of aging without surrendering the elegance that is typical of the Nebbiolos originating on the steep slopes of the Roero. Here, on the limy, east-facing soil of the Frailin hill, the grapes can benefit from dry, hot summer days, as well as enjoying the last few warm rays of the setting sun in autumn: something which is often forgotten, but which is essential for a late-ripening variety such as Nebbiolo. Grown following traditional local methods, the grapes are picked in the middle of October. The fermentation is always long and slow so as to allow all the natural elements contained in the grapes to develop in the wine. It is then drawn off into different fill barrels, where it completes its malolactic fermentation and remains for at least 24 months. After a further year of maturing in the peace and quiet of our old cellars, the wine is bottled in preparation for its release. With its expansive, fruity nose, followed by a full body and long finish in the mouth, the taste is dominated by the elegance of Roero tannins. It is a wine that will continue to improve with lengthy aging in the bottle.