2018 Antoniolo Le Castelle Gattinara Riserva
The 2018 Antoniolo “Le Castelle” Gattinara Riserva is, without question, one of my personal favorites. For anyone who loves Nebbiolo,
Producer
Antoniolo
I have reviewed one wine from Antoniolo: the 2018 Antoniolo Le Castelle Gattinara Riserva (96 points).
When the conversation turns to the historic greatness of Alto Piemonte, Antoniolo is always at its centre. Founded in 1948, the estate was instrumental in putting Gattinara back on the map, proving that northern Nebbiolo, locally called Spanna, could rival the great Barolos. It was a pioneer of single-cru bottlings from vineyards such as Osso San Grato, San Francesco and Castelle, which show the region’s volcanic minerality.
The approach is firmly traditional, with ageing in large Slavonian oak, and the wines have striking aromatic tension, vibrant acidity and decades of ageing potential.
The “Le Castelle” Gattinara Riserva captures Nebbiolo in its purest classic form. The 2018 opens with red cherry, wild berries and delicate rose petals, followed by leather, tobacco and a mineral edge that speaks of Gattinara’s terroir. Powerful yet refined, with fine tannins, lively acidity and layers of fruit and spice, it drinks beautifully now and will reward years in the cellar.