Vintus

Valmaggiore, Nebbiolo d'Alba

“Valmaggiore” Nebbiolo is obtained exclusively from the historical Valmaggiore zone of Vezza d’Alba, in the hearth of the Roero. The vineyards are exposed South and Southwest and are characterized by such a steep slope that the use of machinery is not possible. The very high density of planting (8,000 vines per hectare) allows very low yields of just 800 grams of grapes per vine. 2004 brought rains in the spring that restored water reserves from the dry summer of 2003, but delayed budding; a summer that was never too hot brought the ripening schedule back on schedule, and grape quality was very good. The wine was fermented in used 500-liter French oak barrels, and was then aged for 12 months in the same wood, and 9 months in bottle. Only 1,500 cases of the 2004 vintage were produced.

2004 Vintage Reviews:
“It is a beautifully delineated effort, bursting with sweet fruit, tar mineral, spices and well- integrated oak, displaying outstanding depth and fine overall balance. This lovely Nebbiolo shows just how compelling the wines from Roero can be, and may very well be Sandrone’s finest effort from these vines in Vezza d’Alba. Highly recommended.” 91 Wine Advocate, April 2007

“Shows lovely perfumes of cedar, rose and berries. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a clean, refined finish. Like a solid Barolo. Hard not to drink now.” 90 Wine Spectator, December 2006