LLS Portfolio Book 2015

Barbera d’Alba Santo Stefano DOC The Barbera grapes for this wine come from the famed Santo Stefano vineyard which initially caused critics to believe Italo Stupino crazy as this vineyard is typically reserved for the hallowed Nebbiolo. This 100% Barbera proved them wrong as it expresses the depth for which Santo Stefano is known while still retaining Barbera’s signature fruit. The grapes for this wine are pressed and then allowed to mature for 9 months in large wooden vats to allow the wines to mellow and develop their complexity.

Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC The Superiore version of Castello di Neive’s Barbera d’Alba is only produced in the best vintages and represents a selection of the best Barbera grapes from their Marcorino vineyard. Here, they follow strict green harvesting (removal of immature bunches) and plant only on south-facing slopes thus yielding a wine of great ripeness. It is made from 100% Barbera grapes and serves as a reminder of Barbera’s potential. After fermentation, this wine is aged for at least 1 year in oak barriques (225-L French oak barrels) to round out the wine.

Dolcetto d’Alba Basarin DOC The Dolcetto d’Alba Basarin is named for the high-quality vineyard from which its grapes originate. It is made from 100% Dolcetto grapes which typify the food-friendly, easy-drinking yet quality-minded wines of this region. The grapes for this wine are pressed and then allowed to mature for 6 months in a stainless steel tank to preserve Dolcetto’s fresh qualities.

Langhe Rosso i Cortini Pinot Noir DOC Growing up, Italo’s favorite wine was his father’s “Cuvée Privée.” This wine, which was served at family gatherings and made from grapes bought from the then current owner of the castle—a Count Guido Riccardo Candiani, was sourced from a vineyard (i Cortini) right next to the Castello di Neive. To pay tribute to his father’s memory and this wine, Italo continued making a Pinot Noir from the i Cortini plot once his family purchased the castello. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the grapes are gently pressed and then matured in barriques for 1 year.

Piemonte Grignolino DOC This Grignolino is a small-production gem (at 4,000 bottles annually) that is incredibly food friendly. Made from 100% Grignolino grapes, it shows the lightness and finesse which has made Grignolino a widely-appreciable wine. Following fermentation, this wine is aged for 3 months in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, fruit-forward aromas.

WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY

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