2022 Montaribaldi Niculin Langhe Rosso

The Langhe DOC Niculin is the blend of grapes of Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Merlot. It is a young red wine with a fruity and exceptionally complex bouquet and a good structure. The beautiful terroir vineyards are located in the Barbaresco and Treiso municipalities at an altitude of 300 meters and a south and east sun positioning. The poor soil consists mainly of sand, marl/limestone. The grapes Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera are treated separately and only at the last the oenologist determines the right ratio. The grapes are first destemmed and then crushed and then go into stainless steel thermo-conditioned tanks where the alcoholic fermentation takes place.

Dolcetto grapes, alcoholic fermentation lasts from 4 to 6 days at a temperature of 26-28 ° C. Nebbiolo-Merlot grapes, alcoholic fermentation lasts from 6 to 8 days at a temperature of 27-29 ° C. The wines remain in contact with the skins for 2 months (temperature of 20-22 ° C) while they complete the malolactic fermentation. Then the wine matures for 3 to 4 months at low temperature. The low temperature allows for a calm and gradual maturation (there is no hurry with Montaribaldi) and also allows the sediment and cloudy parts to settle naturally, facilitating clarification. Then the grapes for the Niculin remain (always separately) in oak barrels (2,500 - 3,000 l) for three months for further aging and then the wines are blended and bottled by the Montaribaldi oenologist (Carlo Arnulfo ) and the bottles remain in the cellars for Montaribaldi for at least another 6 months before going to market.

In the glass, the Langhe Niculin has a beautiful garnet red color. In the nose, the wine is fruity with a hint of cherry jam, red berries, black berries and spicy hints, typical of aging in wooden barrels. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied, with developed tannins, well balanced and with the typical almond in the aftertaste. The merlot gives the wine the jammy and somewhat sweeter fruit, the dolcetto has the fresh fruit and beautiful acids and the nebbiolo gives the complexity and elegance. The price/quality of this wine compared to its bigger brothers, the Barbaresco and Barolo, is excellent. Delicious to enjoy as is, but also perfect with (mature) cheeses, risotto funghi or with a stew. Tip: drink this wine with a nice bun (organic beef) hamburger

The 'azienda agricola Montaribaldi' is a family business, located in the middle of the Langhe hills in the small village of Barbaresco. The grapes of Montaribaldi grow between the vineyards of Angelo Gaja's famous winery. Not the least to have as neighbors. The owners of the Montaribaldi winery, the brothers Luciano and Roberto Taliano consider themselves lucky with their plots of land, which are spread out in the Langhe and Monferrato hills. Wine has been made here for centuries and even Unesco appreciates the interplay of man and nature by recently including this region in the prestigious World Heritage List. Although the Montaribaldi winery has existed for much longer, the brothers have not been active in wine terms for that long, since 1994. But together with winemaker Carlo Arnulfo they are already making beautiful Piemonte wines with a great price/quality ratio. Montaribaldi makes real terroir wines in which the soil, the climate, the vines are the basis. Good wine comes from a good vineyard and not from a chemistry box is Luciano's statement and we completely agree with him.

The family produces some of the most famous wines from the Piedmont region: Barbaresco DOCG, Barolo DOCG, Barbera d'Alba DOC, Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Roero Arneis. They offer a complete range of wines, from grapes that are typical of this region. Typical for this winery is that the wines have their origins in Piedmont, are always recognizable as a 'Montaribaldi' wine and are grown and produced sustainably. As they call it themselves: making 'vineyard wines' sets them apart from others.

FACT : In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for the address.

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1. Grilled veal loin with sage gravy and caramelized onion

The tenderness of the veal matches the ripe tannins, while the sage and onion accentuate the spicy wood influences in the wine. The medium body of the wine matches the delicate structure of the meat.

2. Pasta alla norma with aubergine, tomato and grated ricotta salata

The umami of roasted eggplant, the acidity of the tomato sauce and the salty cheese bring out the red fruit and the fresh acidity in the wine beautifully. Dolcetto's juiciness and Nebbiolo's structure complement each other here.

3. Braised leg of lamb with rosemary and black olives

Lamb has enough fat and flavor to support the structure of the wine. The spicy elements of the dish enhance the spiciness and wood tones in the blend.

4. Mushroom risotto with Parmigiano-Reggiano

The earthy tones of mushrooms and the savoury cheese match well with the spicy complexity and ripe fruit. The Merlot provides a round touch that matches the creaminess of the risotto.

5. Ravioli filled with wild boar and cocoa sauce

The deep, spicy flavours of the wild boar complement the tannins and complexity of the wine. The subtle bitters of the cocoa sauce provide an elegant bridge with the ripe berry aromas and woody notes.

6. Baked beetroot with goat cheese and hazelnut vinaigrette

The sweetness of the beetroot matches the fruity profile of the wine. The earthy elements and nuttiness of the vinaigrette enhance the structure, while the fresh acids provide a nice contrast with the soft cheese.