Travaglini is a family-owned wine estate in the tiny Gattinara appellation within north Italy’s renowned Piedmont region. Established in the 1920s by Clemente Travaglini, the winery is Gattinara’s most esteemed producer of traditional, limited-production wines from the nebbiolo grape (known locally as “spanna”). The family’s passion for winemaking has not diminished through the generations; Cristina and Cinzia Travaglini, great-granddaughters of Clemente, manage day-to-day operations at winery. Cinzia’s husband Massimo Collauto is chief winemaker, a role he inherited from his late father-in-law and beloved mentor, Giancarlo Travaglini (winemaker at Travaglini for 45 years). Giancarlo’s wife, Lilliana, oversees vineyard operations.
Travaglini wines are easily recognized by their distinctive bottle shape, featuring a unique curve that fits naturally in the palm of the hand and serves to catch sediment during decanting. Designed by a glassmaker to celebrate the excellent 1952 vintage, the bottle was so well received that family decided to keep it as their trademark.
Production Area
Grapes are grown in Piedmont’s Gattinara D.O.C.G., in vineyards planted on steep slopes at an elevation of 900 – 1,300 feet. The soil is rich in iron and trace quantities of carbonate, calcium and magnesium. These unique soils combine with an ideal microclimate to yield high quality nebbiolo grapes.
Grape Varieties
100% Nebbiolo
Vinification
Following traditional red fermentation, the wine is aged for one year in French oak barriques, followed by 18 months in Slovenian oak casks and six months in bottle.
Color
Deep ruby red with garnet reflections
Bouquet
Aromas of red fruit, blackberry, plum and licorice with hints of vanilla and leather
Taste
Full-bodied, with intense flavors of cherry, raspberry and spice culminating in a long and smooth finish
Alcohol
13%
Serving Suggestions
Outstanding with red meat, game and hard cheeses.