Giovanni Rosso is a family-owned estate who have been growing grapes in the Comune of Serralunga d'Alba since the 1890's, including the Crus of Cerretta and Serra. During the 1980's, Giovanni Rosso restructured the vineyards with the aim of producing the best possible wines, and in 2001, Giovanni's son Davide took charge of winemaking, following his own mantra "wine should be a perfect copy of its terroir". The fermentation lasts some 25 days according to the vintage with daily pumping over of the wine mass with délestages at half of the period (fermentation in concrete tanks). The aging is conducted in 50hl large barrels of Fontainebleau Forest oak from 18 to 36 months according to the vintage and the vineyard of provenience.

Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.” There is a bit of a shift this year for Pastafarian, with the inclusion of Sangiovese! The ultimate pasta variety, it must be said. Ask Brendan, Unico Zelo has long been critical of Sangiovese’s future in Australia, but after some recent encounters with other producers' expressions of the variety, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Lucky for the winery, it wasn’t far from home, as the fruit is from the lovely Polish Hill River Vineyard. Still, this wine is Nebbiolo through and through, and it’s the perfect marriage with Slovenian Oak for a perfumed, blue fruited and savoury structured Langhe-style Nebb. A touch of Merlot and Nero to add somebody (and a nice little spice too!). Top shelf here, finding an identity all of its own. Great wine.

The nebbiolo grape has declined in this D.O.C. Langhe to exalt the peculiarities of the hills and bring some tradition on to tables. A young wine, but at the same time important, where the tannins with delicate softness and spicy aromas inebriate the nose, also recalling vanilla and caramelized notes. A wine that make every day a bit more special. Cascina Ghercina Langhe Nebbiolo 2016 vintage is a light ruby red colour. Deceiving to a wine rich in potential. The nose has aromas of spice, hints of hay, and tobacco. Tannins leave a pleasant feeling. Pair this wine with roasts, meats, and soft cheeses.