Valferana 2016

Monica Larner

The 2016 Gattinara Vigna Valferana comes from a site whose name comes from the Italian for "valley of iron," or "Valle di Ferro." The vineyards are a bit lower in elevation (compared to Molsino) in an area that sees a little more rain and a few degrees lower in average annual temperatures. The fruit is harvested later as a result, and that extra hang time is especially appreciated by the Nebbiolo grape that tends to grow in complexity and depth in the longer seasons (like 2016). This wine shows polished and tight tannin structure with a pretty playlist of wild berries, forest floor, tarry smoke, pressed violet and rusty nail aromas that are so becoming to this grape and to the exciting wines of the up-and-coming Gattinara appellation.