Il Principe Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2018
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Italy / Piedmont
100% Nebbiolo from vineyards of Barbaresco and Vezza d’Alba in the hillsides of Roero area. The soil is made up of bluish-grey, sand-rich, clayey calcareous marl; it is a soil poor in organic substances but with a considerable percentage of manganese and potassium. Highly evident is its typicality, characterized by varietal flavours and by the influence of the Roero terroir. Il Principe is a Nebbiolo that has been left to refine in large vats for a year; its organoleptic characteristics are extraordinarily classical. It is a noble wine of excellent character and pleasantness, suited to medium ageing.
Harvest Note
Winter began with mild temperatures and low rainfall, conditions which continued into December and January; only in the second half of February was there a sharp drop in temperatures that reached 14°F with heavy snowfall. March, April and May were marked by abundant rainfall, by the end of the agricultural year, the total rainfall had exceeded 37". As far as the red grapes were concerned, the number of Nebbiolo clusters were normal. Starting in mid June, the climate was warm with scarce rainfall and with maximum temperatures reaching 95°F in the beginning of August. But the abundant water reserve in the soil allowed for the regular continuation of vegetation. End of August through the first half of September, we were fortunate and had particularly cool nights that allowed the development of intense and delicate aromas. The harvest took place during normal time, if not slightly ahead of schedule, with perfectly healthy and ripe grapes.
Tasting Note
Garnet red of medium intensity with brilliant reflections. Intense of good complexity and great elegance, hints of small black fruits, plums and violet. Pleasant impact, ample and balanced with silky tannins; highly pleasing and long lasting.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Nebbiolo
APPELLATION: Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 5.50 g/L
ABV: 14.02%
AGING: Refinement: 12 months minimum, in steel, wood and bottle.
Unique Selling Points
- 100% Nebbiolo from vineyards of Barbaresco and Vezza d’Alba in the hillsides of Roero area
- Manual harvest, preceded by summer thinning of excess bunches for increased concentration
“We believe in the perfection of the grapes in the vineyard: terroir, experience, timeliness, studied interventions vine by vine.”
Stefano Chiarlo, Winemaker
About the Grape
Nebbiolo
Young Nebbiolo can be tough, acidic and tannic; but mature, its blackberry and wild cherry flavors and aromas develop complex and sublime violet, rose petal, truffle and tar notes.
