Monsecco Sizzano 2016

Sizzano is a tiny D.O.C. in Alto Piedmont along the Sesia river, and along with the DOC zones Boca, Bramaterra, Fara, Lessona, Colline Novaresi, and Coste della Sesia. It was established as a D.O.C. in 1969, only encompasses 17 acres and averages a measly 1,000 cases (5-year average) of production annually! Talk about tiny!

The Monsecco Sizzano 2016 is a typical blend of mostly Nebbiolo with some Vespolina and Uva Rara, however, the wine showed anything but typical. This drinks like a traditional single-vineyard Barolo for only $19.97! Being 2016, the wine shows a bit of age with a copper rim to the dusty red core. The bouquet is open and displays lovely rose petals, violets and garrigue. This is traditional Nebbiolo all the way with it’s savory leather notes and firm chewy tannins. This is not a wine ‘for everyone” as only traditionalist palates will appreciate how much this wine has to offer.

If you want to have an authentic vinous experience, decant this for an hour and only consume half the bottle. Then return for a glass over the next few days and watch this wine blossom and evolve.