On 15 March in Lugano, our Barbera d’Alba Zio Nando was the star of an evening made up of encounters and conviviality, with a vertical tasting (vintages 2001 to 2007) that provided guests with deeper knowledge about the history and characteristics of a specific vine and wine:

Rivetto, together with Mauro Baccarin, a Monticello Vini sommelier, led the exploration of the vintages, allowing participants to discover the qualities and characteristics of “Zio Nando”.

Remo Tettamanti, director of Monticello Vini

Moving through the vintages from 2001 to 2007, we can admire the development of a wine that is a pleasure to invest energy and resources in, as well as a joy to experiment with, because it is capable of providing great satisfaction in the glass and, thanks to the planting of new vines in 2003, reaches excellent qualitative levels.

Zio Nando in vertical

2001 – a perfect balance of power and elegance. The addition of 10% Nebbiolo, provided for by the rules and regulations, gave it ageing capacity.

2003 – sun exposure that is favourable in typical years produces over-maturation in hot years like this one was; the short term results are positive, but over time negative aspects emerge.

2005 – a year of transition and preparation for the next one. The new plants were young, too distant from the fruit of the old vines, and the wine expresses this in the glass.

2006 – a cool and airy end of harvest conferred “minerality” and freshness to the wine, as well as a capacity for maintaining the fruit.

2007 – grand, its volume fills the mouth with fruity notes. It is young and merits another year of patient waiting.

As the finale for the vertical tasting, an absolute first: the new Zio Nando vintage, 2009: fresh, floral and at the same time, potent. Not to be missed.

Guido Sassi provided the location at Piazza Riforma and the zero kilometre dinner with Rivetto wine pairings.

Guido Sassi at centre