The colour is pale garnet. On the nose rose, raspberry and cinnamon. In the mouth, soft, discreet, light. The aftertaste reminds of strawberries, but doesn’t last long. Overall, pleasant but not very fulfilling.
The village of Carema lies in a valley northwest of Piedmont and marks the divide between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The backdrop to the village is a spectacular expanse of vineyards clinging onto rocky slopes.
Carema’s landscape is dominated by terraces, with grapevines trained over pergolas, supported by pillars called “Pilun”, which are typical of the region. They have the shape of truncated cones and are made of stone and lime. Over and above their scenic effect, these masses of rock play a very important role: during the day they store the heat of the sun and they release it during the night.
Carema has its own DOC since 1967. Its wines are made of 100% Nebbiolo grapes from the municipality, and age for at least 2 years, of which 12 months in large oak or chestnut wood barrels. Carema Riserva is aged for a minimum of 3 years, of which 18 months in wood barrels.
The “Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema” was founded in 1960 by a group of 10 winegrowers. Nowadays there are some 70 (all) part-time producers that convey their grapes to the winery.
For this bottle I paid 11.90 EUR when I visited the winery during my summer holidays in August.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5