Tales From The Cellar

Nino Negri

It’s not often that I associate or mention Nebbiolo and value in the same sentence. As a buyer, it’s one of the most elusive and hard to find grapes that I can retail under $25.00 and still say it truly represent the qualities of this complex, beguiling grape. Two new offerings from Nino Negri are just that.

The winery is located in the Valtellina region, located at the base of the pre-Alps on Italy’s border with Switzerland. Steep, nearly vertical vineyards make for an extremely challenging terroir to work with to say the least.

The 2008 ‘Quadrio’ Valtellina Superiore ($19.99) is a ‘must buy’ for connoisseurs and neophytes alike. Hints of smoke, floral and digestivo notes in the aromas. The palate has spot on Nebbiolo flavors of dried fruits and flowers. The small addition of Merlot certainly adds an attractive textural component to this overachiever. For a few dollars more, the 2008 ‘Inferno’ bottling ($24.99) made from 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) is worth you attention as well. A ‘wow’ wine for Its  classic rose petal ,tar and cola like spice aromas and flavors. Refined with almost seamless tannins.

Howard Padgett, Imported Wine Buyer