Vallana is an Alto Piemonte producer with roots dating back to the 1800's, though the current incarnation was formed in 1937. They continue farming vineyards by hand without chemical inputs in the crus of Boca and Gattinara, and Colline Novaresi in general. The sites are largely terraced along the left bank of the river Sesia and Lake Maggiore, with the winery itself situated in the village of Maggiora. Today, the estate is run by Giuseppina Vallana, together with her son Francis (a Ph.D. in Viticulture and Oenology), and her daughters Marina and Miriam. This is a Nebbiolo-based blend typical of the region, which was fermented and aged in cement tanks, with significant bottle-age in their cellars until recently when this library release arrived in the US. 

"At ten years old, the 2015 remains so young. Floral aromatics meld into red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, chalk and white pepper. All the elements are so well put together. This is impressive juice, and a steal, too!" - Vinous Media 

Pairing: Mushroom Risotto, Brigantaccio cheese

Grapes: 90% Nebbiolo, 10% Uva Rara and Vespolina

Soil: Red and yellow volcanic porphyric sands

Viticulture: Oracticing Organic