Step aside, Barolo & Barbaresco: there's another capital "B" Nebbiolo in Piedmont! The Bramaterra DOC rests along the Vercelli ridges just west of Ghemme and Gattinara. Barolo and Barbaresco lie in the central plains of Piedmont; Bramaterra sits in the foothills of the Western Alps, where cooler climates encourage lean, lithe expression of Nebbiolo. Le Pianelle, run by a team of native Alto Piemontese winemakers and oenologists, hold the best real estate in the region, including the Rubino vineyard. Typical Nebbiolo strawberry and bramble is met by the sandalwood, tobacco leaf, and savory herb offered by the addition Vespolina and Croatina, with struck stone and bitter blood orange providing welcome structure. A stunning example of the alpine prowess of Alto Piemonte.
