2012 Ferrando, La Torrazza, Canavese Rosso DOC, Piedmonte, Italy.
This Nothern Piedmonte red, a blend of mostly Nebbiolo with some Barbera, is a delicious and stylish wine from Ferrando, a fifth generation producer in this region just above Turin, close to the Val d’Aoste in Italy’s top left corner. The Canavese, and Caluso area is set in beautiful hills with ancient soils left from a glacier, all these elements, plus climate and exposure add to the complexity and mix layers of acidity, juicy fruit and mineral tones, making for very interesting wines. Ferrando has been selling wine since before modern Italy was born, and there has been wine here since Roman times, and this area is fast becoming a place that savvy wine buyers are looking for, because of the great value Nebbiolo wines on offer, be it here or in the neighboring areas of Ghemme,Boca and Gattinara. Ferrando does a stunning set of wines, I also really like their Erbaluce whites, but this La Torrazza Canavese Rosso especially stands out with lots of bright and vivid layers, deep fruit and loads of character. The 2012 Ferrando starts with morello cherry, raspberry, plum and red peach fruit, earthy/loam, savory herbs and spices, sea salt, zest acidity and refined tannins with hints of truffle and floral notes on the bouquet and a lingering blueberry, strawberry and anise finish. This is easy going wine with personality and charm, no pretense, but still intriguing enough to hold your attention, drink over the next few years, best from 2015 to 2018.
($24 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($22.95)