LUCIANO SANDRONE Nebbiolo d'Alba, Valmaggiore - Piedmont 2017 Bottle

Description

The 2017 Valmaggiore from Luciano Sandrone is an expressive and lush Nebbiolo, born from one of the earliest and warmest vintages in recent years. Sourced from the steep, sandy amphitheatre of Valmaggiore in Roero, this wine avoids oak influence to highlight the purity of the fruit. The nose is open and fragrant, filled with scents of liquorice, red fruits, and violets.

On the palate, the ripe character of the 2017 growing season shines through with flavours of blueberry, raspberry, and violet extract. Despite the summer heat, the wine retains a remarkable balance, supported by fresh acidity and firm, ripe tannins. Scoring consistently high across major critics, it delivers a harmonious and long finish that captures the sunny character of the vintage.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2019 - 2026
With scorching heat and little rain overall, there was reason for worry during the 2017 growing season at large, but in the Roero zone by the banks of the Tanaro river, the hilly Valmaggiore vineyards received more rain than other parts of Piedmont, so these grapes did not suffer as much. Lovely notes of red rose and some herbal tones appear on the nose of the 2017 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore, coupled with balsam, spice and rosemary. It's voluminous in the mouth, and while the Le Vigne Barolo tends to be the most floral and delicately ethereal of Sandrone's release, this bouquet is distinctive in its own way. It would be a nice pair with a mushroom risotto.

VINOUS 92 points
Drinking window: 2020 - 2032
The 2017 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is bright, fruity and absolutely delicious. The warm vintage seems to have given the Valmaggiore an extra kick of mid-palate sweetness, which is not a bad thing for a wine that can at times be a bit lean. Sweet red berry fruit and floral notes are nicely pushed forward. The 2017 will benefit from a few years in bottle, which will allow the aromatics to develop, but it is impeccable in its balance and super-classy, even in the early going.