Reviews
- Vinous -
Technical Details
- 100% Erbaluce
- Marina & Francis Fogarty
- Italy
- Piedmont
- Alto Piemonte
- Collina Novaresi
- Estate Vineyards
- Sustainable Practices
- Two-thirds in tank and one-third in French tonneau
- Over 12 months on the lees
- 13%
- 300 cases
Antonio Vallana e Figlio Erbaluce Innominato Piedmont 2021
Sustainable Practices
55% OFF RETAIL!
The story of Antonio Vallana e Figlio feels like one of those great family sagas. The Vallana name has been linked to winemaking in Alto Piemonte since the late 18th century, but it wasn’t until 1937 that Antonio Vallana and his teenage son, Bernardo, turned the family’s vineyards around Maggiora into a formal estate. The winery sits in the volcanic, mineral-rich hills of Novara – far north of Barolo and Barbaresco – and has been handed down through generations, continuing to craft wines that exude terroir using native grapes and traditional methods.
This is a classic Alto Piemonte white made from 100% indigenous Erbaluce grapes, grown on the estate’s hills and designed to lean into both freshness and texture. Vallana is historically better known for its age-worthy Nebbiolo-based reds, but this shows the family’s impressive range, highlighting vibrant acidity, mineral nuance, and aromatic fruit. Apple slices and salty seashells, followed by pine forest, orange peel, lemon olive oil cake, rosemary, and a hint of creamy Orange Julius… It hits like a stroll on a sun-baked Alpine trail on a summer day.
It is so easy to drink, and endlessly fun, while offering the most impressively layered and effortlessly balanced personality. Under $20 and 92 points, with this level of character and body? Might as well get started with six and grab yourself free shipping along the way.