and more:
• 1999 Spanna Riserva
• A Wine Club For The Collector!
• A Unique Gift For Father's Day!

Dessilani's Northern Nebbiolo

Piemonte’s nebbiolo is known for its long-ageing and powerful wines from the Barolo and Barbaresco regions of the Langhe. But going farther north in the hills extending from Novara and Vercelli, westward toward the Alps, the noble nebbiolo grape (also known here as spanna) shows her more delicate personality.

It is on the mountainside vineyards of the Gattinara (DOCG) and Fara (DOC) regions that the nebbiolo grape, like the pinot noir of Burgundy, struggles for ripeness but creates elegant wines marked with distinctive acidity and minimal tannin. In the exceptional vintages of 1997 and 1999 however, the warm weather provided the nebbiolo with enough power to compete with the Barolos and Barbarescos in the south and provides for a must-have wine.

Today, IWM features the great nebbiolo wines of Dessilani, where wines have been made since 1892. The estate has earned another spot in history as the first three glass winner in this northern region of Piemonte. Read on below to learn about these wines. Should you have any questions or want to purchase these wines, please contact our Portfolio Managers at 212.473.2323.

*For more on Piemonte and IWM Barolo, click here!

1997 Gattinara Riserva

Historical data from the archives of the Archdioceses of Vercelli reveal viticulture existed since the reign of Charlemagne on the hills where Dessilani now stands. This confirms recent archaeological discoveries that winemaking existed in the area since Roman times. So, experience the skill of winemaking, crafted over centuries, in this best-of-the-vineyard Riserva from the legendary 1997 vintage.

Although the nose is more aromatic than Barolo, the color is similar, with deep garnet red and orange reflections. Dessilani’s full-bodied Gattinara Riserva hits the palate with intense fruit and spice character yet yields a harmonious and pleasant lingering finish.

1997 Gattinara Riserva $57.20 (750ml)

Click here to order your allocation of Gattinara Riserva by fax!

1997 Fara Caramino

Despite its ancient and illustrious history dating back to Roman times, Fara is relatively unknown to wine enthusiasts outside Piemonte due to the wine's limited production and the zone’s remote location.

Winemaker Enzio Lucca blends the grapes of nebbiolo (80%), vespolina (10%) and bonarda (10%), all from the "Caramino" area of Briona. This historic vintage provides for a wine of exceptional elegance.

Bright scarlet with shades of ruby and garnet. The noble and austere nose displays hints of spice and truffles. On the palate the well structured velvety wine gives way to a long finish of coffee and even more spice.

1997 Fara Caramino $35.20 (750ml)

Click here to order your allocation of Fara Caramino by fax!

1999 Spanna Riserva

Here, the wine takes the name from the nebbiolo grape, again known as "Spanna" in this northern region. The grape varietal is 100% nebbiolo, grown in the villages of Fara, Ghemme, and Sizzano. The wine has been long regarded as the outcast in these parts, but is now being praised for its lasting power and value (in exceptional vintages it is capable of exceeding thirty years).

The ruby color reveals a slight orange hue near the edges and opens into aromas of cherries, licorice, and spice. The medium to full-bodied wine exhibits moderate acidity and tannins along with notes of chalky soil and forest leaves that provide for a long, dry finish.

1999 Spanna Riserva $17.60 (750ml)

Click here to reserve your allocation of Darmagi by fax!

A Wine Club For The Collector!

We can proudly say, there is no other. Through IWMs' Patron Wine Club, we open our cellar doors and include members in something rare and unique. Selections are not based on inventory, but rather driven by the desire to enlighten collectors and enthusiasts to the world of high quality Italian wine. Open up your palate and learn what makes these wines great.

There is no other merchant that would include the limited-production cult favorite of the South - Montevetrano; or the most collectible Barbaresco in the world - Giacosa Santo Stefano; or perhaps the great example of modern-style Barolo from the 1997 vintage - Scavino Bric del Fiasc. All have received the IWM Stamp of Excellence and are Tre Bicchieri winners also receiving 95+ ratings from Parker.

In addition to receiving these wines well below market value, members have other benefits. For more information about Sergio's Cellar Club or our other wine club levels, please contact Chris Deas at 212.334.6734.

Click to learn more about Sergio's Cellar Passport!

A Unique Gift For Father's Day!

Last week, IWM featured our wine club for the collector and this week we are sharing the "Big Guns of Italy." This is our most popular club and includes a unique selection of sophisticated wines that are ready to drink upon arrival - an ideal gift for fathers looking to uncork the best from Italy.

The club member will be exposed to single vineyard selections, as well as an introduction to powerhouse reds that impress so easily. So take a trip with IWM and enjoy the complexity of the Langhe and the wonders of Bolgheri's coastline with wines from the likes of Umbria’s Caprai, Piemonte's Braida and Conterno, as well as the elegance of Toscana's Avignonesi!

In addition to receiving these wines well below market value, members have other benefits. For more information about the Big Guns of Italy Passport or our other wine club levels, please contact Chris Deas at 212.334.6734.

Give the perfect gift, an IWM Wine Club. Click to explore!