Calosso DOC 2014 Tenuta dei Fiori

One of the oldest and rarest native grape varieties of Piemonte is Gambarossa, also known as Gamba di Pernice, due to the bright red color of the stem before veraison, which resembles the legs of partridges hopping among the vineyards. It ripens at the end of October, which may have been the reason for its abandonment. This variety was saved from oblivion thanks to the perseverance of the owner of this winery, who rescued the few surviving plants from vineyards around Calosso and then replanted them in a dedicated new vineyard. The University of Turin used this vineyard for 12 years of experimentation to identify the best clone, which today represents the selected grape variety named Gambarossa. This led to the recognition of a new DOC in 2011, under the name Calosso, which requires 90% of the Gambarossa grape variety and production from only three municipalities (Calosso, Costigliole d'Asti, and Castagnole delle Lanze). CHARACTERISTICS: an extremely interesting wine with a moderate yet very persistent red note. Calosso has a characteristic bouquet, very aromatic with intense notes of green pepper and oriental essences. On the palate, it is dry and particularly seductive, with strong hints of tar on a base of wild berries. The finish is mineral, with a return of the initial bouquet. ALCOHOL: 13 • YEAR OF PLANTING: 1987 FERMENTATION: occurs with skin contact for about 10 days with daily pumping over and punching down. AGING: takes place in stainless steel tanks for two years and in bottle for an additional two years. LONGEVITY: a wine with great aging potential, typically ready after 4 years but grows and improves for the next 10-12 years or more. PAIRING: pairs well with warm appetizers, game, and especially with aged and flavorful cheeses. Perfect with Finanziera (traditional offal soup) and agnolotti. RECOMMENDATION: open the bottle 20/30 minutes before serving.