Gattinara (1965)

About this wine

The 1976 Travaglini Gattinara presents a deep garnet color with brick-orange hues, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of dried cherries, rose petals, and earthy undertones, complemented by hints of leather and tobacco. The palate reveals evolved flavors of stewed red fruits, truffle, and a touch of spice, supported by softened tannins and balanced acidity. This wine hails from the Gattinara region in Piedmont, known for its volcanic soils that impart a distinctive minerality to Nebbiolo wines. Aged for nearly five decades, this Gattinara exemplifies the longevity and depth that Nebbiolo can achieve over time.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1976 Travaglini Gattinara, is renowned for its high acidity and tannins, making it ideal for long aging. In Gattinara, this grape is locally known as "Spanna" and thrives in the region's unique volcanic soils rich in iron, which impart distinctive mineral qualities to the wine. Traditionally, Gattinara wines could include up to 10% of other local varieties like Uva Rara and Vespolina to balance Nebbiolo's robust tannins, but many producers now prefer using 100% Nebbiolo to highlight its pure expression. The 1976 vintage reflects this dedication to showcasing Nebbiolo's unique characteristics within Gattinara's terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The Travaglini family has been producing exceptional Nebbiolo wines in Gattinara for four generations, with the fifth now learning from their parents.
• 🌋 Gattinara is the only wine-growing area in the world where Nebbiolo is cultivated on volcanic soil, imparting unique mineral qualities to the wine.
• 🍇 The 1976 Travaglini Gattinara is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, known locally as Spanna, showcasing the pure expression of this varietal.
• 🍾 Travaglini's distinctive bottle design, with its unique shape, was created to catch sediment during pouring, eliminating the need for decanting.
• ⏳ The 1976 vintage of Travaglini Gattinara is a testament to the wine's longevity, as Nebbiolo wines from this region are renowned for their aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

Travaglini, established in the 1920s by Clemente Travaglini in Gattinara, Italy, has been a family-run winery for generations. In 1958, Giancarlo Travaglini introduced innovative viticultural practices, including high-density planting and the use of barriques for aging, significantly enhancing the quality of their Nebbiolo wines. He also designed the winery's distinctive curved bottle, which aids in sediment collection and has become an iconic symbol of the brand. Today, the estate is managed by Giancarlo's daughter, Cinzia Travaglini, and her husband, Massimo Collauto, continuing the family's legacy of producing exceptional wines.