Nervi-Conterno Vigna Valferana Gattinara 2016 DBMG

Nervi-Conterno Vigna Valferana Gattinara 2016 in DBMG (3 L) format is a deeply expressive Nebbiolo from one of Alto Piemonte’s most storied crus. Sourced from the historic Valferana vineyard—its name derived from “Valle di Ferro,” or “iron valley”—this wine marries mountain precision with Barolo-like depth. The large-format bottle enhances its aging trajectory, making it a standout choice for collectors and for truly special occasions.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Vigna Valferana shows a luminous garnet hue with brick-tinged edges, typical of finely structured Nebbiolo. The nose is detailed and evocative: wild red berries, crushed cherries and dried rose petals unfold alongside notes of forest floor, tarry smoke, rusted iron, and pressed violets, echoing the mineral-rich, iron-laced soils that define the site. On the palate, this is both taut and elegant, with a polished but firm tannic backbone that promises long-term development. Flavors of sour cherry, wild strawberry, cranberry and orange peel are layered with savory tones of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, iron filings, and subtle spice. The acidity is vibrant and vertical, giving the wine lift and remarkable length. From the outstanding 2016 vintage and presented in a 3 L bottle, this Gattinara has excellent aging potential—easily 15–25 years or more—developing greater complexity, truffle notes and silkier tannins with time.

Production
Vigna Valferana is a historic cru in Gattinara, in northern Piedmont, planted on poor, rocky, glacial and volcanic-derived soils rich in iron, which lend the wine its distinctive mineral, almost ferrous character. Sitting slightly lower than the nearby Molsino vineyard and exposed to cooler average temperatures with a bit more rainfall, Valferana naturally delivers a slower, longer ripening season. Nebbiolo grapes are harvested later here, benefiting from extended hang time that deepens aromatic complexity and tannin refinement. At Nervi-Conterno, fruit is hand-harvested and carefully sorted, then traditionally vinified—typically with long macerations to extract nuance and structure, followed by extended aging in large neutral oak botti. This approach preserves the transparency of the terroir while allowing the wine to gain harmony and depth before release.

Food & Serving
This Gattinara is superb with classic Piedmontese fare such as braised veal shank (ossobuco), brasato al Nebbiolo, game birds, and dishes featuring truffles and wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and mature Pecorino, or simply with well-marbled grilled meats and slow-cooked lamb. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth helps soften the tannins and open the bouquet; older bottles pulled from the 3 L format may need a gentler, shorter decant, mainly to separate any sediment.

Producer
Nervi is the oldest documented winery in Gattinara, founded in the 19th century and long regarded as a benchmark for Nebbiolo in Alto Piemonte. In 2018, the estate entered a new chapter under Roberto Conterno of Giacomo Conterno, one of Barolo’s most revered producers, and now carries the Nervi-Conterno name. This union brought meticulous vineyard management, uncompromising quality standards, and a renewed focus on expressing the nuances of individual crus like Valferana and Molsino. Today, Nervi-Conterno stands as a key reference for the Gattinara appellation, helping to restore the region’s historic prestige and earning critical acclaim for its ageworthy, terroir-driven Nebbiolo wines.

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