High in the hills above Barolo and Barbaresco, Alberto and Lorella Antoniolo personify the grace and whisp of Alto Piemonte. The wines of Gattinara may be more pale and transparent vs. their southern counterparts, but the elegance in glass is supported with a beguiling structure allowing them to shine decades after bottling. Antoniolo, the very first estate to bottle single Cru wines in 1948, is the beacon of the comune that draws in the most savvy of traditional Nebbiolo collectors.

Gattinara sits on volcanic rock, as opposed to the limestone and clay soils of Barolo and Barbaresco an hour south. The prime vineyards here share a common trait of white, dusty and sandy soil above the mother rock. The cooler climate in the hills here is obvioulsy a huge factor in how these wines are distinguished. The drastic diurnal temperature swings also plays a role in giving Gattinara up-front ripeness that finishes with a great sense of verve and snappy, crisp brightness. At their best, the wines of Gattinara are simply electric.

Although grapes like Bonarda and Vespolina are legally permitted to blend with Nebbiolo here to soften the edges and plump up the fruit profile, Lorella's family has always vinified 100% Nebbiolo in their Crus. These special parcels flaunt Nebbiolo with a wild array of flowers, mint, sage, leather, with high toned cherry and wild strawberry notes. 

Osso San Grato and San Francesco were both planted in the early 1960's. Osso San Grato the more powerful, saturating, and structured, whereas San Franceco is defined by its early approachability and delicate frame. Wines are aged one year in 500-liter neutral barrel, followed by 18 months in large botti, and then one year in bottle.

Finding top single vineyard wines from Piedmont's most revered producers is becoming more of a challenge each year, to say nothing of the rising prices. Antoniolo is a perfect example to why searching a bit further north can land you with brilliant, age-worthy Nebbiolo, that still represent terrific value.

“Antoniolo’s bottles contain the best of Northern Piedmont’s heritage. Hard-boned and only apparently lean, they can survive the decades while making all their greatness immediately obvious.” - Gambero Rosso

2010 Antoniolo Gattinara San Francesco
$62 per bottle.

2009 Antoniolo Gattinara Osso San Grato
$72 per bottle.

1971 Antoniolo Gattinara Santachiara
$133 per bottle.