The Unpredictable Elegance of Gianfranco Bovio’s Langhe Nebbiolo DOC Firagnetti 2016
Gianfranco Bovio’s Langhe Nebbiolo, DOC Firagnetti 2016 is a very pleasant and drinkable red wine, a classic Nebbiolo to buy as an everyday wine, where finesse, lightness of body, and typicality are always in the foreground.
Don’t think of a tannic or too full-bodied wine; indeed, this interpretation of Nebbiolo focuses a lot on the immediacy of crunchy and slightly spirited fruit, clear aromas, and lots of pulp.
How Gianfranco Bovio’s Langhe Nebbiolo DOC Firagnetti 2016 is produced
The vineyards are located in the hills of La Morra with south-east exposure; maceration lasts 8–10 days, fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts, and then follows a phase of aging in wood, which lasts a few months.
Bouquet
A frantic, sharp, dark nose dominated by small berries, licorice, watermelon, flowers, and delicate spices The tone is elegant and plush; it swings gracefully from earthy tones to other darker undergrowth tones with ease. Overall, it is clean, varied, and intriguing.
Flavor
It corresponds to the nose like a drop of wine, and the juicy fruit has the connotations of currants and raspberries. The structure is graceful and carefree, but never predictable. The tannins run throughout the wine, giving it personality, but they are never harsh. The finish is tasty, with returns of pulp and a hint of citrus and rhubarb. All very simple, but punctuated with exemplary precision.
Price
16 euros: an honest price for a well-made Nebbiolo.
Food Pairings
- Roasted or grilled meats. The juicy fruit and tannins in this Nebbiolo wine can complement the richness of roasted or grilled meats such as lamb, beef, or game. Try it with grilled lamb chops, roasted beef tenderloin, or venison stew.
- Pasta with tomato-based sauce. The acidity and fruitiness of this wine can cut through the richness of a tomato-based pasta sauce. Pair it with spaghetti alla amatriciana, lasagna, or penne arrabbiata.
- Aged cheeses. The tannins in this wine can balance the creaminess of aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, a lovely and old pecorino di Moliterno or even Castelmagno. Uncork this beauty with a couple of slices of walnut bread and a cheese board as a pre-dinner appetizer.
- Mushroom dishes. The earthiness of this Nebbiolo can pair well with mushroom-based dishes such as risotto ai funghi, mushroom bruschetta, or mushroom soup.
- Charcuterie platter. The fruitiness and delicate spices of this wine can complement the various flavors of a charcuterie platter. Prosciutto, salami, coppa piacentina or culatello or pâté are perfect. The fat in these adorable, high-cholesterol products brings out the tannins in the wine.