Monte delle Vigne “Nabucco”

Colli di parma , italy  |  2018

Monte delle Vigne is one of our favorite Italian wineries, situated near Parma, near the Taro river. It was founded by Andrea Ferrari, in 1983, who realized the unique potential of the area. Today, he is recognized as one of top producers near Parma, working from a single estate and farming organically. 

While Lambrusco is the focus of Monte delle Vigne, they have proven to be equally adept at working with two local varietals, Malvasia and Barbera. The deep soils, rich in clay and limestone, along with cooling night breezes help produce grapes of great richness, but also balance. 

In 1992 the first vintage of Nabucco, a wine based on Barbera, was released. The idea at the time was to prove that this area, known for its sparkling wine, could also produce reds of great complexity and longevity. Now with 30 vintages under their belt and lots of notoriety and press to prove that, indeed, Colli di Parma can produce great red wine. 

The 2018 is a blend of 90% Barbera and 10% Merlot from vines around 30 years in age. The grapes are hand harvested, pressed, with a maceration of 40 days alongside its skins. The wine is aged for a year in a combination of small Allier French oak barrels as well as large casks. 

Beautiful aromas of dark cherry, balsamic, and spice. The wine is both rich, with a silky texture that glides across the palate, yet finishes with good freshness and length. As you start to warm up the grill this spring, keep this in mind with grilled lamb chops or ribeye.