Importer Tasting, Thursday January 28: Colombera & Garella (Alto Piemonte) w/Mark Middlebrook of PortoVino

300 million years ago, a volcano created the raw material for seven tiny but geographically complex appellations collectively known as Alto Piemonte, an area about two hours northeast of Barolo and Barbaresco, literally at the ‘foot’ of the Alps. After years of abandon, this once great bastion of Italian wines is now being revitalized by a few key producers. This is an area to explore, for the glory that’s Nebbiolo, and also the unique volcanic soils, which makes more finely etched, and lower alcohol, wines that neighboring Barolo and Barolo. Colombera & Garella’s winery and vineyards in the Bramaterra and Lessona appellations. Cristiano Garella, native Alto Piemonte wünderkind, is one of the master-keys of the area. He’s helping wineries here appreciate and reinvest in the vineyards and cantine.  Colombera & Garella, as the name suggests, is his most intimate contribution among the many wineries he collaborates with. The Colombera part is Giacomo Colombera, Cristiano’s long-time friend, and Carlo Colombera (Giacomo’s father), who’s been growing grapes in the area since the early 1990s. If you’re interested in Alto Piemonte, or a more elegant Nebbiolo than the Langhe offers, this is a property to put on your check list.

Thursday, January 29
5:30-7:30pm
$15 tasting fee
$10 for wine club members