If this wine were from Tuscany, it would cost $100 – what more incentive would one need to track it down and try it? 2006 was an exceptional vintage across Italy, and this wine surely lives up to the benchmark reputation of the vintage.
The 2006 Librandi Gravello is a blend of 60% Gaglioppo, a grape varierty indigenous to Italy, and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for a total of three years, of which one is spent entirely in new French Allier barriques. In the glass, the wine is a dark, blackish purple. The nose is intense, jammy, without being over done and displays blackberry, cedar, meat and coffee aromas. Often, if not handled carefully, southern Italian reds can seem “pruney” or “rainsiny” because of the increased temperatures. Good producers keep this in check by watching ripeness meticulously and picking at the opportune moment. The Gravello is fresh, full bodied and velvety with well integrated ripe tannins. It’s already throwing some sediment so it’s worth it to decant for that reason alone. It’s balanced and delicious. And as I said in the opening, because it’s not Tuscan, it’s only $25. 92 points.
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| 2006 Librandi Gravello |
February 22, 2012
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