Sometimes Nebbiolo, depending on the ripeness of the fruit at harvest time, trades in its characteristic austerity for softer tones of ripe fruit and dried currant. This shows those plusher fruit tones backed by notes of exotic spice and crushed mineral. The mouthfeel is firm, tart and structured. — (9/1/2012) —90

Barbaresco Valgrande is a traditional and streamlined expression of Nebbiolo with elegant tones of licorice, cola, humus, vanilla and spice that peek through a solid core of red cherry and raspberry. The wine is generous and soft in the mouth with a bright point of acidity at the end. ——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 90

Here’s an up-and-coming Langhe producer who has already made a big splash with the Italian wine press. Valgrande is the estate’s most traditional Barbaresco aged in big oak casks. This vintage offers mature notes of wild berries and plum followed by elegant shadings of pipe tobacco and old spice. It shows medium persistency with drying tannins. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 89