Carema (1978)

About this wine

This Nebbiolo from Carema presents a pale garnet color with an orange-tinged rim, indicative of its age. The nose offers aromas of ripe strawberries, dried roses, and subtle spices like clove and nutmeg. On the palate, it is elegant and well-structured, featuring flavors of red cherries, a hint of orange peel, and a mineral undertone. The tannins are smooth, and the finish is long and refined. Carema's unique terraced vineyards, supported by stone pillars called 'pilun,' contribute to the wine's distinctive character.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the grape behind Carema wines, is known for its late ripening and high acidity, making it well-suited to the region's steep, terraced vineyards. In Carema, Nebbiolo is traditionally trained on pergolas supported by stone pillars called 'pilun,' which absorb heat during the day and release it at night, aiding in grape maturation. The local Nebbiolo biotype, Picotener, is prized for its delicate aromas and elegant structure, contributing to the unique character of Carema wines. Historically, Carema's Nebbiolo wines were esteemed by the Savoy court and have been recognized for their quality since the 16th century.

Quick facts

• 🏔️ Carema's vineyards are terraced on steep Alpine slopes, reaching elevations up to 2,500 feet, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.
• 🍇 The region's unique pergola training system, supported by stone columns called 'Pilun,' allows vines to grow above ground, maximizing limited arable land.
• 🍷 Carema wines are predominantly made from Nebbiolo grapes, known locally as 'Picotendro,' and must comprise at least 85% of this variety.
• 🍾 Due to the challenging mountainous terrain, Carema's wine production is limited, with fewer than 10,000 cases produced annually, making these wines rare and sought after.
• ⏳ Carema wines are renowned for their longevity; for instance, a 1978 Ferrando Carema was noted to be still youthful and vibrant when tasted decades later.

Palate profile

Producer

Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema was established in 1960 by ten local farmers in Carema, Italy, to preserve and promote the region's unique winemaking traditions. The cooperative now comprises over 100 members, with about 70 actively contributing grapes, all part-time growers dedicated to maintaining the area's viticultural heritage. Carema's vineyards are renowned for their distinctive terraced landscapes, featuring pergola-trained vines supported by stone pillars known as "pilun," which absorb and radiate heat to aid grape ripening in the cool alpine climate. The winery focuses exclusively on producing Nebbiolo wines, adhering to traditional methods that highlight the grape's elegance and complexity.