Francesco Brigatti Colline Novaresi Uva Rara "Selvalunga" 2019

Francesco Brigatti makes small amounts of elegant, expressive wines based on the classic Nebbiolo variety, as well as delicious varietal bottlings of the indigenous varieties that are normally blended with Nebbiolo in this area, such as Vespolina and Uva Rara.  A brilliant pale ruby in the bowl, Brigatti’s Selvalunga presents pure scents of red raspberries, Morello cherries, orange zest, and rosewater. Brisk and vigorous on the palate, the Selvalunga brightens its chewy kernel of red fruits with shimmering acidity and floral notes of rose petals and violets. The wine finishes juicy and savory with reprises of sappy cherry and raspberry fruit complicated by smoky soil, fine tannins, and impressions of tobacco and bitter herbs. Delicious, unusual and thoroughly satisfying, this is must-try wine for all fans of Northern Italian red wines. Pair this versatile wonder now and over the coming three years with just about anything but seafood. It drinks well as a winter warmer and will prove equally delicious with a slight chill over the summer months.