2014 Nobili Inferno

Region:  Valtellina > Lombardia > Italy

Grapes: Nebbiolo

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organic farming, moranic clay soil, 500m elevation, terraced vineyards, hand harvested, 2 week maceration, rested in tank for 3 months then aged in large botti for 4 years; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 1000 cases; 13% ABV

Winemaker: Nicola Nobili

If you are a Rock Juice fan, you know we love our chillable reds, but usually when we reach for a nebbiolo it's not to put in the fridge. We leave this for Gamay, some Cab Franc and Grolleau, Pinot, and the one-off semi-carbonic Syrah or Carignan. But Nebbiolo?  No, we keep this strictly for those dinners where there are people to be wooed or impressed.  But how about a nebbiolo that can do both? This is that wine! We’ve never had such a crushable, chillable Nebbiolo- -- one that was drinking so perfectly, we’d just as soon serve it with sushi as a hearty pasta as pour for that special someone or break out at a holiday party. The kicker is the vintage is 2014 -- coveted, expensive bottle age, but rather than treading on mature territory, this wine is as fresh as a daisy, and just hitting its prime, thanks to the pristine viticulture work. And, we can’t leave out the unique Valtellina terroir, where vines are planted on 100 year old terraces built into the sides of a steep amphitheater. The Inferno cru is highly respected here for its ability to withstand the heat of the sun bouncing off the steep, rocky hillsides lining the valley (hence the name), but also produce such balanced fruit.

The Nobili iteration leans toward citrus, red cherry and dried herbs, with fine, elegant tannins that carry the finish along with the acidity.  Definitely ready to enjoy now, but we also recommend picking up some extra, as it will continue to drink in the sweet spot for at least a couple of years!