2011 Mamete Prevostini, Botonero, IGT Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio, Mese, Lombardy, Italy.
This Lombardy Nebbiolo is a young and interesting red from Italy’s northern region, and it is a respectable value in terms of price vs quality and style. This wine comes from the small Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio area near the hamlet of Mese, it is a lively and flavorful Nebbiolo to enjoy young and fresh, though it certainly has plenty of stuffing and is robust in character. The Prevostini Botonero 2011 shows dried roses, raw meat, tar and briar in the nose with a palate of cherry, raspberry, plum and currant fruits along with truffle, orange rind, basil, soy, fennel, balsamic strawberry and lavender oil, finishing with some lingering poached red berry, fig and mineral essences. There is a vibrant streak of acidity and noticeable tannins, and while firm are very welcome and hold things together nicely, best to enjoy with hearty cuisine and drink over the next 3 to 5 years. This is a fun and enjoyable Italian red that offers up a load of flavor and varietal charm for a reasonable price, check it out when you are looking for a solid and cheap Nebbiolo.
($18 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
