Nebbiolo - Pelissero 2006 Barbaresco

Georgio Pelissero is consistently rated as one of the top Barbaresco producers by respected Italian wine commentators such as those from Gambero Rosso, Antonio Galloni and Wine Advocate. Every wine in the Pelissero range is a superb example of its grape variety and terroir, the Barbarescos are the pinnacle of Pelissero's achievement. Only a few each available of this small cellar release -

2006 Pelissero Nubiola Barbaresco $90: Nubiola is the ancient word for nebbiolo. Planted from 1980 - 2004. Altitude 200-400m. Traditional style barbaresco, fermented at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks and then transferred to small and very large oak in varying proportions according to vintage variations.

Tasting note: 'Intense ruby red colour, to the nose it has both fruity and floral notes that go from the ripe red fruit to the officinal herbs. Soft, tasty, velvety at the same time, leaves a note of sweetness and roundness typical of ripe grape with a slightly dry and astringent closure that distinguishes the Nebbiolo.'

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2006 Pelissero Tulin Barbaresco $129: Planted in 1950/2001, altitude: 250-350 m. We love the producer's description of how winemaking/viticultural decisions affect the style of the wine - 'This wine is produced with modern techniques and tools, but still in a traditional way trying to harmonize the austerity of this great vine with the new conceptions of persuasiveness and pleasantness linked to international tastes.' There you have it, us foreigners need to be persuaded...

The tasting note goes on 'a vivacious ruby colour. At smell it expresses ample and fruity perfumes of magnesium and iron linked to the minerality of soil with well-evident varietal notes and a right contribution of wood. To mouth the features of austerity typical of Nebbiolo express completely and where persuasiveness, saltiness and the right tannin give to the mouth a velvety and wrapping frame.'

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2006 Pelissero Vanotu Barbaresco $145: Cascina Tolino in the villages of Treiso and Neviglie. Planted in 1964, altitude 350m. Soil of medium texture with a rich calcareous component suitable for producing very aromatic and varietal wines. This is Pelissero's top site. 2006 vintage -  3 Glasses (top award) Gambero Rosso.

Tasting note: 'Intense ruby colour, it expresses fruity notes of raspberry and cherry matched and well harmonized with persuasive woody notes of vanilla. The aromatic framework, besides the typical notes of rose, comprises sage, mint, thyme, camomile, and is constant over the years: a real trademark for this soil and site. In the mouth it is amply velvety and fills up with sweet and lasting tannins.'