Rapalino Vughima

Classification of Wine:

Red Still Wine

Langhe Denominazione di Origine Controllata

Varietal: 100% Freisa, Langhe DOC

Vintage: 2018

Vineyard Designation:  Langhe di Alba

Soil: clay-calcareous-marl east of the town Alba, south-east exposure

Pruning: Guyot

Yield: 4 tons/ha

Acidity: 5.98 g/l

RS: 1.84 g/l

ABV:  15.0%

Sulfites: 61 mg/l

Winemaker:  Marco Rapalino

Following their harvesting by hand beginning of October, the grapes are pressed and transferred into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.  These vats are temperature controlled to 28 °C.  Fermentation with maceration that varies depending on the year between, 15 and 21 days.

The cap is punched down every 2 hours for 2 minutes the first five days. Then for 2 minutes every 4 hours. In the last period for 1 minute each six hours.

Racking is done at the end of fermentation, the wine does not macerate on the skins after fermentation is over.

After racking they are left in steel tanks to undergo a second malolactic fermentation. After this is finished, they are placed in 5Hl wooden barrels to age for two years. The clayey-calcareous soil of the vineyards produces a long-lived and complex wine.

Tasting Notes:

This rustic relative of Nebbiolo, is deep Ruby red with hints of spices, rich dark strawberries characteristic of the variety. On the palate, mouth watering acidity, smooth tannins, and aromas and flavors that are amazingly complex. The finish fades into pleasant freshness and minerality, this is a complex wine of great longevity. Serve with traditional Piedmonte dishes, wild game and sauces, short ribs or roasts. Pairs well with most dishes even those of exotic spices!

TOC rating 97 points