Ferrando La Torrazza Canavese Rosso 2021

91 points Vinous
The 2021 Rosso Canavese is a gorgeous, fresh red Nebbiol/Barbera blend to drink now and over the next few years. Rose petal, sweet red berry fruit, cedar, pipe tobacco and dried herbs are beautifully delineated. All the savory and mineral energy of this Alpine district comes alive in an accessible, entry-level offering that can be enjoyed with minimal fanfare. What a delight this is.

The Ferrando family has produced and traded wine for five generations. Ferrando Vini was founded in 1890 by Giuseppe Ferrando, who moved to Ivrea from Acqui to introduce the wines of Piedmont into the neighbouring region of Valle d’Aosta. Giuseppe’s son Luigi then expanded and developed the winemaking business. In 1957, Giuseppe Ferrando junior, the founder’s grandson, began production of one of the rarest wines obtained from the Nebbiolo variety: Carema, named after a small town in northern Piedmont, on the border with Valle d’Aosta. Here, in 1964, the Ferrando family built cellars for the production and ageing of this unique "mountain Barolo" (D.O.C. since 1967). In the early Eighties, Giuseppe’s son Luigi took over the company, which is currently owned by his son Roberto. The company’s creativity and inventiveness have been faithfully passed on through the generations, along with a steady commitment to quality.

Produced predominantly from Nebbiolo with roughly 30% Barbera and a touch of a local variety known as "Neretta" (the little black), this lovely red wine, vinified in stainless steel and bottled 12 to 15 months after harvest, is full of wild berries (notably strawberry and raspberry), spice and a touch of warm earthiness. The tannins are delicate and fine which enables this wine to be consumed with pleasure in its youth. As always with Nebbiolo-based wines, harvest occurs usually in the early to mid parts of October.