Sandrone Sibi et Paucis 'Valmaggiore' Nebbiolo d'Alba 2017
Sandrone's 'Sibi et Paucis' collection was born of an intuition, which grew into an idea that found its resolution by following the slow rhythms of nature, in both the vineyards and the cellar, for that which improves with age. The Sibi et Paucis is not a different wine, but a desire to retain a few bottles that are placed in the optimal conditions of Sandrone's special "Wine Library" where they slumber, slowly improving and refining as time passes. Their seal on these special bottles denotes a complete belief in this process. The Valmaggiore vineyard is a superb amphitheatre in the Roero district and the Nebbiolo grapes grown here are so highly regarded that back in the 19th century they dictated the price for the entire territory. In the 1990s Luciano, Luca and Barbara fell in love at first sight with Valmaggiore. The Nebbiolo grape in Roero is distinguished for its finesse and elegance. The 2017 Sandrone sibi et paucis Valmaggiore Nebbiolo was aged a further 4 years after the original release date of September 2019 in the perfect conditions of Luciano's personal winery cellar. This is a soft, full and lush example of Valmaggiore, particularly to the nose, which is expressive and open, full of violets, liquorice and red fruits. On the palate, the heat and stress of the vintage comes thru in the ripe fruit and the still-firm tannins. The flavours of blueberries, raspberries and violet extract are balanced by the good freshness and ripe tannins. The 2017 Valmaggiore shows balance and harmony throughout, with good length and no oak notes.
