Piedmont is best known for the stellar regions of Barolo and Barbaresco and rightfully so. But travel to the northeast of there and you can find some great DOCs that have a different approach to Nebbiolo. This Saturday we’ll be tasting wines from Lessona, Bramaterra and Gattinara — lesser known regions but with great character just waiting to be discovered. Escape Black Friday and Holiday Craziness and taste the wines of Tenuta Sella and their 350 years of tradition.
 
2010 Nervi, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG $17
Nervi is a long running winery in Gattinara that was recently revamped by one of the owners of Isole e Olena.   Their Erbaluce is a distinct crisp white with a lot of character.
 
2011 Il Chiosso, Rossomarconi, Vino di Travolta $10
100% Nebbiolo
Il Chiosso is run by a young winemaking duo who tapped their families’ vineyards in Gattinara, Ghemme and Fara to provide the backbone to their start up endeavor. There non-DOC Nebbiolo just shows off the fruit. Light and easy with lots of rose petal, light cherry and a little snap.
 
2011 Cà Montebello, Custiò $15
Barbera, Croatina (Bonarda)
A little to the east of Piedmonte, just over the border in Lombardy, is Oltrepo Pavese where ‘Cà Montebello stretches across the lower hills with its flourishing vineyards on an imposing landscape. Their single vineyard Custiò is a unique blend of Barbera and Croatina. Its floral and spicy notes, along with black cherry and plum set off its dry and full structure.

2007 Tenuta Sella, Bramaterra DOC $30
70% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina (Bonarda), 10% Vespolina
The Sella family has had vineyards in Lessona since 1671. Their Bramaterra is youngster of the family which they have only been making for a mere century. This unique blend expresses the full-flavored mineral quality of the porphyry where it grows. It is aged for 28 months in large barrel before release. The Bramaterra has a full big structure with layers of minerals and dried cherry.
 
2006 Tenuta Sella, Lessona DOC $35
80% Nebbiolo, 20% Vespolina
Tenuta Sella has been making this wine for more than three centuries. The ancient marine sand of Lessona and the floral Vespolina enriches the noble Nebbiolo. The wine ages for 24 months in large Slavonia oak casks. The lesson is smooth and voluptuous, with a layer of jammy silk over its serious structure.