From: Piemonte, Italy
Blend: 85% Barbera-Nebbiolo grapes and 15% Neretto di Bairo
Taste: The 2020 Orsolani Canavese Rosso presents itself in a bright garnet red hue, subtly hinting at the ripeness of the fruit. The bouquet is a delicate dance of elegant black cherry, small red fruits like currants, floral notes, and a tantalizing hint of plum jam. A sip reveals a balance of balsamic notes seamlessly interwoven with noble and immediate tannin, offering a pleasant surprise of sweetness towards the end.
Pairing: The 2020 Orsolani Canavese Rosso finds its perfect companions in cured meats, medium-aged cheeses, and first courses such as agnolotti or pasta with meat sauce. It also brilliantly complements main courses featuring red meat.
Quick Lamb RagùBy Alison Roman
About. There's an undeniable charm to a good vintage wine. Each sip transports you to the year and place it was crafted, while also offering a glimpse into the intricate world of the vintner's passion and commitment. A perfect embodiment of such charm is the 2020 Orsolani Canavese Rosso - a delightful blend of traditional Italian wine making with the unparalleled finesse of the Orsolani family.
The Legacy Behind the Bottle
The roots of Orsolani winery stretch back to the late 19th century. The founding couple, Giovanni Orsolani and his wife Domenica, moved back from America, heeding the call of their beloved homeland, Canavese. The Locanda Aurora, their restaurant, was the initial seed for what would later blossom into the Orsolani winery. Giovanni, while not managing the restaurant, dedicated his time to the cultivation of vines and the creation of wines.
Today, the Orsolani family focuses solely on the production of wines and sparkling wines, with a notable emphasis on Erbaluce, the family's true love. They annually produce about 150,000 bottles, and proudly belong to the Grandi Cru d'Italia Committee, a testament to their unwavering commitment to high-quality production and the celebration of their cultivation areas.
A Toast to the Earth
The Orsolani Winery is situated in San Giorgio Canavese, Turin province, an area steeped in deep viticultural history and a unique microclimate that favors wine production. These vineyards find their origins even before the Roman invasion, with a rich blend of mineral-rich soils and a mild climate providing an ideal stage for the vines.
Adhering to an ethos of quality and environmental stewardship, Orsolani operates in harmony with its surroundings, limiting the use of artificial fertilizers, opting for low impact treatments, and abiding by EEC regulations. Their commitment to sustainable practices extends to their energy consumption, relying on a photovoltaic system to meet their energy needs and curb CO2 emissions.
The Craft of the 2020 Orsolani Canavese Ross
Exclusively harvested from hilly terrains between 250/300 meters above sea level, the 2020 Canavese Rosso is a beautiful blend of 85% Barbera-Nebbiolo grapes and 15% Neretto di Bairo. The grapes are meticulously selected and harvested in early October.
The wine undergoes fermentation in steel, followed by malolactic processing. It then matures for 12 months in the bottle before being released to the market, and continues to evolve beautifully for up to 5-6 years. With an alcohol content of 13%, the Canavese Rosso is a wine that stands the test of time.
