Gattinara DOCG

Gattinara DOCG

  • Gattinara DOCG, 
  • Piedmont, 
  • italy

Latest Awards

  • 95 points James Suckling , August 2024
  • 95 points James Suckling , July 2024
Background

Driven by a passion for exceptional Nebbiolo, the Travaglini family has been producing remarkable, limited-production wines from their eponymous estate in Gattinara for four generations, with the fifth now on their way, learning from their parents. The Travaglini family has owned land in Gattinara since the beginning of the 19th century. They farmed a few hectares of land and produced wine for local consumption. It was not until 1958 however, when the third generation, Giancarlo, established the eponymous Travaglini Estate Winery. It was Giancarlo who recognized a greater potential in Gattinara and executed groundbreaking changes in his vineyards and cellar, unseen before in the appellation. His passion for Nebbiolo helped raise the profile of Gattinara, a commitment that has been carried on through the generations.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The Travaglini family owns 59 hectares of vineyards; 55 of which are dedicated to vines, primarily Nebbiolo, which covers roughly 50% of the total Gattinara DOCG. A small portion of old vines, is planted to native varieties Vespolina and Bonarda. This small appellation lies in the rocky foothills of the Monte Rosa range, where ventilating winds blow down from the nearby Alps. Soils are rocky and rich in porphyry, granit and iron, imparting a reddish color in the soil. Similar in composition to the Alps, Monte Rosa’s sedimentary rocks is highly acidic, due to low levels of calcium carbonate and magnesium, and an absence of calcium. Vines grown in this rare soil produce grapes with a unique flavor profile, as well high acidity and tannins. Its northern, mountainous location experiences a continental climate, with very cold winters, warm, sunny summers, and a strong diurnal temperature shift.

Winemaking & Aging

Grapes are crushed and macerated for about 15 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation and post-fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, at controlled temperature, over 3-4 months. The wine aged for 30 months in Slavonian oak casks of different sizes, followed by an additional few months of refinement in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in color with garnet reflections. Aromas of red fruit, blackberry, plum and licorice, with hints of vanilla and leather. Full-bodied with intense flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice culminating in a long and smooth finish.

95
Points

Complex wine where the graceful aromas of sweet violets and pomegranates are allied to smoky woodland, licorice root and a whiff of cocoa powder. Firm on the palate, with a full body, dusty yet ripe tannins and long, crisp acidity. This 2020 is powerful and not without grace. It will improve further with bottle aging. Best after five to 10 years. -J.S.

James Suckling - July 2024

95
Points

Complex wine where the graceful aromas of sweet violets and pomegranates are allied to smoky woodland, licorice root and a whiff of cocoa powder. Firm on the palate, with a full body, dusty yet ripe tannins and long, crisp acidity. This 2020 is powerful and not without grace. It will improve further with bottle aging. Best after five to 10 years. -J.S.

James Suckling - August 2024

92
Points

The 2020 Gattinara is a very pretty wine in the classically austere style that is such a signature here. Crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, mint and rose petal lend lovely complexity throughout. This is beautifully done, not to mention a real charmer. - A.G.

Vinous - November 2023

91
Points
Cellar Selection

This classic Gattinara opens with aromas of dried sour cherries, rosebud, sweet and savory spices and a hint of dried herbs. Well-balanced between savory and fruity elements, the wine’s mouthwatering acidity and fine tannins build the framework for the wine to be enjoyable today and into the future. Drink now–2040. Taub Family Selections. Cellar Selection. —J.P.

Wine Enthusiast - April 2024

Appellation

Gattinara DOCG

grape varieties

100% Nebbiolo

Sizes

750 ml

technical details
  • ABV: 13.5%
  • Closure: Cork
  • Vegan
winemaker

Massimo Collauto

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