EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:

Today’s selection from Mauro Molino is an exclusive allocation only available in very limited quantities here in the U.S.A. If you are a fan of Nebbiolo in its purest form, today’s wine belongs in your cellar.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included on orders of six or more and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Pure Fog

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of exclusive and limited production Nebbiolo for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mauro Molino

Wine Subject: 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC

Winemaker: Mauro Molino

Backgrounder: The Langhe DOC in Italy’s Piedmont overlaps the same regions as Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera d’Alba. The red wines from Langhe DOC can blend specifically approved (including Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa, along with some non-domestic grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with the base local varietal Nebbiolo. Given the more flexible rules, the wines from Langhe are the Piedmont’s version of the popular Super Tuscan. This DOC was established in 1994, the DOC occupies mush of the province of Cuneo.

Today’s selection is a 100% Nebbiolo, the region’s most prolific and admired grape, is grown on the family’s La Morra (Barolo area) vineyard, carefully harvested by hand and is aged is stainless steel letting the purity and character of the fruit to be fully revealed.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby red with bright ruby streaks and reflections in its clear core. Lighter ruby red with orange and pinkish hues along the edges and when swirled, slow medium-to-thin legs cling to the side of the glass.

Smell – Bright aromas of fresh tangy and tart red fruit including red cherry and raspberry blend with zesty wild anise, soft earthy notes, mocha and dark chocolate. Sweet and a touch of hot spice along with floral rose petals invites you to take a sip.

Feel – Smooth and rich with plush but well structured and youthful tannins and bright acidity that lingers along with a soft but textured minerality making this medium-to-full bodied dry wine perfect for pairing with food.

Taste – Fresh, sweet and tart red fruit including red Italian cherry, cherry liquor, raspberry along with some plum and dried fruit notes. Blend in some zesty sweet spices, wild anise, a touch of spicy pepper and other mocha to complete the picture. The racy acidity grasps the fruit well as this wine transitions into the finish.

Finish – Very long and with the tangy and zesty red fruit lingering for several minutes, generously mouth coating and expansive with all of its flavors lingering on the palate.

Conclusion – The 2009 Mauro Molino Langhe Nebbiolo DOC is a wine that expertly highlights the Nebbiolo grape in its purest form. Unconstrained by oak, the fresh red fruit, spice and texture provides a fresh and vibrant drinking experience. This is a lovely wine to pair with food and will go perfectly with anything from creamy cheeses, creamy pastas or any meat from lighter white to wild game. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.

Mission Report:

_ We are working to gather an interview with winemaker Mauro Molino and will post it as soon as it becomes available._

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location La Morra where the grapes for this wine were grown can be seen in this satellite photo.