Piedmont Paradis, Gabriele Scaglione & Nebbiolo
Ahhhhhh, Piemonte (Piedmont to us). Is there a region more mystical and magical? There is a strange microclimate, a dense fog that sits around the hilly region, with rolling vineyards and spectacular vistas, it feels at times like you're in a dream. It is also beautifully untouched by modernity. It is the spiritual home of Nebbiolo, the King of Italian grapes, and while there are plantings of the grape dotted around the world, it just doesn't work like it does here. Nebbiolo is responsible for the twin towers of Barbaresco & Barolo. Akin to Pinot Noir, it is ethereally perfumed, light in colour, high in acid and receptive to terroir. Unlike Pinot, it is heavily structured with serious tannins. Many of the wines take years to come around, but we have an offer with wines that are all ready to go. 
Another producer that has been with us since the start at WL is Gabriele Scaglione. He makes ultra pure, ultra authentic and ultra delicious wine from traditional Piredmont varieties and methods. Gabriele grew up amongst the vines but worked for years in the business side of wine before giving in to his calling as a wine maker. End result is a range of wines that are above repproach, pure and authentic with low intervention. But also a saavy and slick offering in terms of a marketable proposition, each of the wines is charmingly named, Passeggiando in Vigna (walking in the vineyards) for example. Gabriele wants to communicate terroir, these are gastronomic wines, terrific with food and particularly regional Northern Italian cuisine, their stylish elegance means they are drinkable whenever.
I'm not sure I've ever done an offer where the whites are older than the reads, but Gabriele believes that whites age just as well, and that reds are better being drunk young and vital. Starting off with possibly the greatest secret in the wine world; Metodo Classico. M.C. 36 Alta Langa DOCG (2017) is an incredible sparkling wine made from Chardonnay & Pinot Nero, the Italian iteration of Pinot Noir. Recent recipient of gushing reviews from Wine Enthusiast, this is a gorgeous wine, which has most Champagnes as bang to rights. Ostinatamente (2017) pictured above (stubbornly) is a Roero Arneis, a white grape nicknamed the little rascal, due to it's difficulty to grow. High toned, peachy goodness, soars with fish. Arneis at it's best like this combines freshness with beautiful texture. With the age though, its oily and textured. Ellis (2013) is named after his dog (pictured on the label). It is Arneis blended with Chardonnay for extr richness and texture, with a similar feel to a Condieu. These are gastronomic wines, cook something amazing with these and marvel at the combined quarter of a century of age against them! These are grown up sophisticated whites for sipping and pondering.
The reds are bloody fab, and very serious examples. Tutto dipende da dove vuoi andare (it all depends on where you want to go) adds Barbera and Nebbiolo to make an ancient style, the Langhe Rosso blend, it is softer and richer, with some extra elevage in oak. Stunning Barbaresco 'Come un volo' (like a flight) is from Treiso, an area famed for it's elegant and stylish Barbaresco. Barolo 'Passione di Re' (King's passion) is a beautifully fragrant Barolo from La Morra and comes from the stand alone vintage of 2016. Whether you are a Piedmont fanatic or novice, this is for you: Metoda Classico Sparkling, Arneis White and four reds including a Barbaresco & Barolo.
