You may never have heard of it, but Gattinara is, like it’s more famous neighbours Barolo and Barbaresco, another Piedmont DOCG for the Nebbiolo grape.
Don’t be misled by the colour or nose: pale ruby in appearance and with a delicate quite floral aroma of rose and violets alongside black fruits (cherry and plum), for this belies the tannic power of the grape.
On the palate this is dry with a fullish body, high in both alcohol and acidity, but it is the tannins which stand out: whilst well integrated they are substantial (a trademark of the Nebbiolo grape). The black cherry fruits and floral attributes from the nose follow through on the palate and there is also a noticeable savouriness on the long finish. This is drinking well now but has the structure to be capable of further ageing. For food matching, look no further than a rustic red meat stew… perfect!
A little bit more expensive than some of my recent reviews (at £19 from the Wine Society) but good Nebbiolo wines are generally always premium priced.