Luigi Giordano Barbaresco Cavanna 2017
I am a sucker for Nebbiolo, and I’ll be the first to admit it. There’s few grapes out there that have it all: structure, aromatics, power, and longevity. And for the best Nebbiolo in the world, you have to go to the Langhe, in Piedmont. Barbaresco and Barolo have laid their claim to the reputation of Italy’s most famed vineyard land.
Nebbiolo is a grape that can go for decades aging in bottle. Firm, luscious and decadent all at once, it compounds rewards the longer you age it. Barbaresco is a nice way to experience your Nebbiolo, because oftentimes they are a little bit softer and amenable to drinking before Barolo wines of the same vintage.
The Luigi Giordano winery has been making great wines in Barbaresco for nearly a century. At the helm currently are sisters Silvia & Laura Giordano, who have been making refinements and adjustments on all fronts, and producing wines of substantial quality and concentration. Their style is a good example of a traditional house that’s embraced elements of modern winemaking: by no means are these wines oaky or overly extracted, yet they’re approachable and still taste like classic, beautifully rustic Nebbiolo.
This Giordano Barbaresco is a great study in Nebbiolo. It has bright red cherry fruit, cured meat, sage, orange peel and amaro notes. On the palate it has firm, chunky tannins that give plenty of texture and finish, without overpowering. This can and will age, but nobody’s going to lose out if you drink it sooner. Give it at least a full hour of decanting before you dive in, though. This wine loves a little bit of air, so don’t be afraid to splash it around a bit.
- Blend100% Nebbiolo
- CountryItaly
- RegionPiedmont
- AppellationBarbaresco
- Alcohol14%