Franco Serra Langhe Nebbiolo 2022

The Sperone family's wine business dates to 1911, when Antonio Sperone opened a small cellar in Torino, and with Franco Serra the family keeps its focus on value even as Piedmont prices climb. Bottled at Tenute Neirano, the family's winery in Casalotto di Mombaruzzo in the heart of Monferrato, this Langhe Nebbiolo comes from south-facing vineyards on calcareous soils at around 300 meters. The grapes are picked by hand, macerated for three weeks, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel, then aged six months in large oak barrels, a fifth of them new, and three more months in bottle before release. Dried fruit and herbs on the nose give way to a dry palate of bright red fruit and lively acidity. Genuine Nebbiolo character at an everyday price, and a natural match for aged cheeses, hearty stews, and grilled meat.