2021 Cantina Togliana, Carema Riserva

This is a rare, complex expression of Nebbiolo (locally called Picotendro) made by Cantina Togliana. This small, artisanal producer, led by Achille Milanesio, is at the forefront of the region's recent revival, employing organic viticulture and traditional, minimal-intervention methods. Carema, a tiny DOC in Alto Piemonte (Northern Italy), is situated at the foot of the Alps near the border with the Aosta Valley. The vines are planted on spectacular, sun-drenched, dry-walled terraces at high elevations, making this one of the world's best examples of heroic viticulture (winemaking in extremely challenging conditions). While Barolo is about power, Carema is about finesse. The 2021 Riserva, made from Togliana's oldest vines, offers piercing freshness and clarity with a distinct mineral backbone. Expect complex notes of dried rose, citrus peel, wild mountain herbs, tobacco, and dark berries. It is energetic, long-lived, and a true icon of Alpine red wine.