"Cordaro" 2018 Semonte

Cordaro is made from Dolcetto grapes, a grape variety typical of Piedmont, especially the Langhe. Here is the curious story that led the Semonte winery to plant Dolcetto vines in the Umbrian area, with the current aim of rediscovering a balanced and complete wine, with an elegant taste and a certain "stuffiness". Its origins date back to the second half of the 19th century, when a wave of winemaking revolution, inspired by the ideal of Italian unification, swept through the lands of Gubbio, bringing with it a history of transformation led by an unsuspecting young farmer, Lucigno. His talent did not go unnoticed by the factor of the Abbey of Alfìolo, a Piedmontese who saw in this strip of Upper Umbria a potential similar to that of his beloved Langhe, the home of Nebbiolo. So Lucigno was brought to Piedmont to learn the ancient art of pruning and winemaking from a family of Langhe farmers. His apprenticeship was not just for himself and his estate, but for the whole community. The vineyard is situated between 400 and 550 metres above sea level, with a southern exposure and a continental climate, with hot summers and optimal temperature ranges, cold and snowy winters and rainfall spread throughout the year. The soils are loose, medium-textured and rich in limestone and iron. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts and a maceration period of about 10 days. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by a further 24 months in bottle. The result is a wine with floral aromas, hints of red fruit, vanilla and spices, thanks to the terroir to which it belongs, while on the palate it is dry, warm and quite smooth, offering a sensory journey through the history and passion of an ancient territory such as Upper Umbria. This wine is ideal with hors d'oeuvres, cold cuts and cheeses, first courses with white truffles, pasta with meat sauce and red meats.