Gattinara Castello di Lozzolo 1986
The 1986 Gattinara from Castello di Lozzolo is a red wine originating from the northern part of Piedmont in northwestern Italy. The estate is located in the village of Lozzolo within the Vercelli province, a distinct part of the Alto Piemonte zone. Founded in 1967 by Romolo Berteletti, the family-owned winery officially operates under the name Azienda Vinicola Castello di Lozzolo dei Fratelli Berteletti S.p.A. The producer is deeply rooted in the local wine culture, focusing primarily on the region's classic grape variety.
This wine is crafted from Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape known for producing elegant wines with great structure, which is locally referred to as Spanna. Piedmont is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, characterized by dramatic, steep hills and a strong focus on terroir. In the autumn, these hills are often enveloped in a thick morning fog that protects the grapes and ensures a long, steady ripening process.
The Gattinara area is situated at the foothills of the Alps on the western side of the Sesia river. The vineyards are planted on steep, south-facing slopes at altitudes ranging from 270 to 400 meters. The proximity to the Alps significantly influences the local climate, while the unique soil composition sets the area apart. The vines grow in acidic, mineral-rich porphyry soils originating from an ancient supervolcano, which gives the Nebbiolo from Alto Piemonte a distinct terroir-driven character compared to those from the Langhe area.
Bottled at 12.5% alcohol, this 1986 vintage carries the Denominazione di Origine Controllata classification, reflecting the regulations of the era before Gattinara was elevated to DOCG status in 1990. Castello di Lozzolo remains a steadfast representative of its corner of Alto Piemonte, preserving the historical significance of the Gattinara appellation.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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Storage
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Opening
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Enjoyment
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