Riserva Vigna Ronchi (Wooden Case)

Travaglini's Gattinara Riserva Vigna Ronchi originates from the historic Gattinara DOCG zone in northern Piedmont, where volcanic-rich soils and Alpine elevation create conditions that demand extended aging from Nebbiolo. The vineyard sits on iron-oxide-laden volcanic terrain at 300–350m elevation, a microclimate that produces wines of structural intensity rather than immediate fruit expression.

The fruit undergoes traditional Nebbiolo maceration (20–30 days) in temperature-controlled vessels, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak casks (35–50hl) for 36+ months—a deliberate choice that favors tannin integration over new-oak extraction. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally post-vintage. This is a Riserva designation wine, requiring minimum 4 years total aging before release, a regulatory threshold this producer consistently exceeds.

The Vigna Ronchi parcel selection distinguishes this expression: a single-vineyard bottling from one of Gattinara's most prestigious microzones, where volcanic minerality and phenolic ripeness converge. The wooden case presentation signals collector-grade intent.

Expect a wine of austere primary structure in youth (2024–2026), with tar, dried rose, and iron-mineral aromatics dominating. Optimal drinking window: 2027–2040, when tannin softening reveals secondary complexity without sacrificing the wine's architectural backbone.