Negri VIGNETO FRACIA Valt.Superiore DOCG

The grapes: 100% Chiavvennasca, local name for the Nebbiolo.

The vineyard: 6.49.78 belonging to the property in the locality of Fracia, out of the ten which make up this sub-zone, which are an exclusivity of the Nino Negri  cellar. The vineyards formed from steep terraces, situated at an altitude of between 350 and 500 metres, are trained by the Guyot system, cultivated horizontally in relation to the valley, from west to east, south-facing on shallow, loose, sandy soil. Special clones and vinestocks have been selected, and the density per hectare has been increased to about 4000 plants. The yield of grapes is limited to 70 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 49 hectolitres of wine.

The vinification and the maturation: the bunches, selected according to their state ripeness, were picked at the end of October (a late vintage) to encourage the concentration of sugar in the berries.

The grapes were traditionally vinified in temperature-controlled (24°-28° C) vinificators for 8 days. The new wine was transferred into small French oak casks where it completed its alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, staying there for 15 months, then it matured in bottle for a further 6 months.

The wine: vivid garnet colour, with brick red tints; intense bouquet with hints of dried flowers (violets, wild roses) and spices, with a touch of blackberry preserve. Dry, warm, savoury flavour with a lingering aftertaste of ripe plums and bitter almonds.

Optimum keeping: 7-9 years in bottles stored horizontally in cool, dark conditions.

Unusual fact: this wine its name from the Vigneto Fracia of the same name, an exclusive “cru” belonging to the Nino Negri cellar.

Serving temperature: 18° C.

FOOD MATCHES: game, roasted red meats, mature cheeses.