Vallana is one of the Alto Piemonte’s most historic wineries with Nebbiolo-based wines going back to the 1950s. We tasted this 2016 “library release” from the winery and without hesitation, went all-in. Vallana’s Campi Raudii bottling is 90% Nebbiolo (locally know as “Spanna”) with Uva Rara and Vespolina which adds a little extra spice. Aromatically beguiling, the Campi Radii offers aromas of dried rose petals, blood orange peel, leather and star anise in an ethereal manner. Alto Piemonte is cooler than the Langhe where Barolo and Barbaresco hail and 2016 was a truly outstanding vintage in Alto Piemonte as well as in the Langhe. This wine is just hitting its long prime drinking window and even has room for further improvement in a cool cellar. The palate is very savory and showcases both Nebbiolo and the terroir of the region. Of the many vintages we’ve had of this wine, the 2016 is the meatiest and most structured. The 2016 Campi Raudii is so, so much more complex and interesting than 95% of “Langhe Nebbiolo” offerings. Frankly, it’s more interesting than most Barolo and Barbaresco. Enjoy now and through 2033.
