2013 Poderi Cellario Rosso (1L)

Region: Langhe < Piemonte < Italy
Grapes: Barbera
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: marl and tuff soil, 350 meters altitude, organic in the vineyard (soon to be certified), short maceration, small amount of sulfur added at bottling
Winemaker: Fausto Cellario

The Cellario family takes joy in their native surroundings of the hills around Carrù in Piemonte, and make an effort to channel the environment around them through in their wines. With a history in the region that spans generations, they ultimately they feel that the wines reflect themselves as well. They work only with native grapes for this reason, farm organically and are hands off in the cellar. No new wood allowed, and only minimal sulfur added at bottling. The elevation is high here, and the soil is predominately marl, combined with some tuff. Marl, the typical clay-based Piemonte soil type, adds acid to resulting wines, and the tuff, which is of volcanic origin, adds a smokey quality. While the Cellario’s vineyard holdings include esteemed Piemonte sites, they choose to adopt a philosophy they describe as “wine of the people”. They have taken it a step further with the È Rosso, affectionately nicknamed their “slurp wine”. And I understand why. Berries and spice nearly jump out of the glass when the top is first popped. The color is an exuberant violet and the palate is – well – slurpable! Fresh cherry, soft tannin, thyme and foresty notes all transport me to a vineyard in Italy. Beautiful and layered – you’ll be amazed at how fast this liter bottle disappears!