From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste: The 2021 vintage in Piedmont delivered smaller yields than normal, but the resulting fruit? Perfectly formed. And so far, (at least from what we’ve seen in Seattle) the quality of wines from Piedmont have been excellent and worthy of celebration. Needless to say, the above statement applies to this wine as well. In the glass, this lovely red immediately shows of its floral side, with aromas of violets and roses, right alongside layers of pristine red fruits: red cherry, wild raspberry and just-ripened strawberry. Another whiff finds baking spice notes along with a hint of fennel and leather. The palate opens to crunchy red fruits and a stony minerality that carries those fennel notes beautifully. Structured and elegant, this wine finishes with earthy and savory notes of mushroom, truffle, and herbs.
Pairing: This elegant red pairs well with a wide range of foods. Here are some general, regional, and vegetarian pairing suggestions to help you enjoy this wine to its fullest:
General Pairings include dishes based around braised beef or lamb: The tannins and acidity in the wine help cut through the richness of the meat, while the fruit and earthy flavors complement the dish. Roasted duck or game birds are always a winner next to Nebbiolo. The rich, gamy flavors of duck and game birds pair well with the complex flavors of the wine.
Of course, Piemontese dishes are always our personal choice for wines like this one. As a Langhe Nebbiolo, this wine pairs particularly well with regional Piemontese dishes such as braised beef or veal with Barolo, risotto with truffles, and tajarin with butter and sage.
Last, but most certainly not least. Vegetarian options! Our favorite pairings embrace dishes centered around mushrooms. The earthy, savory flavors of mushrooms pair well with the complex flavors of the wine. Try a mushroom/vegetarian risotto (check out the recipe below!), mushroom tart, or grilled portobello mushrooms. Of course, roasted vegetables like eggplant and zucchini work beautifully with a wine like this, and then, lentil dishes are both regional and a great fit.
Chestnut Risotto
By Eric Kim
About. The Raineri Gianmatteo Langhe Nebbiolo "Snart" from the 2021 vintage is a wine to be reckoned with. This young winery has been making strides since 2004, with a focus on crafting amazing Langhe wines that truly represent the terroir of the region.
Raineri's Nebbiolo vineyards are situated in Monforte d'Alba, in the southernmost district of the Barolo appellation. The hills of Monforte, composed of a unique blend of grey marls, limestone, clay, and a small percentage of chalk, provide the perfect soil composition for Nebbiolo to thrive. The Nebbiolo from Monforte is known to be quite tannic, full-bodied, powerful, and age-worthy, and the Raineri Gianmatteo Langhe Nebbiolo "Snart" is a fantastically approachable, youthful expression of the region. Vinified and aged in upright stainless steel tanks, the resulting wine shows off fresh flavors and aromatics that are downright beguiling.
The vineyards where Raineri Gianmatteo’s Langhe Nebbiolo "Snart" is grown are situated around the town of Perno, closer to the town of Barolo than Monforte. The vineyards have a higher percentage of sand than other vineyards closer to Monforte, which makes the wine approachable even in its youth, while still retaining the classic "Monforte" characteristics. The wine is complex and elusive, with a deep ruby color and notes of dark fruit, spice, and leather on the nose. The palate is fresh, with classic Nebbiolo elegance and structure with a long, lingering finish.
Raineri believes in sustainable farming practices, and all of their vineyards are tended with care to produce the best quality grapes possible. The Cornole vineyard, where Raineri's Dolcetto is grown, is the highest elevation vineyard in the Dogliani appellation, and is 100% organic. The Barolo is produced from three plots within the Perno Cru of Monforte d'Alba, and is a well-balanced blend of grapes from different villages within the region.
