“Vitigno Innominabile” (Erbaluce), “Il Criccone”, Colline Novaresi Bianco

Made from 100% Erbaluce (known locally as “Greco Novarese”), this wine is called “Unnamable” because according to DOC wine law, Erbaluce may only give its name to a label when grown in the Canavese. The Rovellotti family’s Erbaluce is different in style from our grower in Canavese, Ferrando, and the contrast seems to attest to the skills of both growers, as well as to the versatility of the grape. From the Il Criccone vineyard, harvested in late September, vinified in stainless steel with a 12 hour maceration on the skins to give phenolic character to the finished wine, this is an earthy yet crisp, medium-bodied example of the grape, with notes of lemon peel, wild herb, and area’s volcanic soil.