Wine Reviews: New Releases from Italy

Most of the wines in this week’s report come from two Piedmont producers, Réva and Oddero. I found some seriously good and cellar-worthy Nebbiolos, and a host of other tasty Piedmont wines from these producers.

There are also two new releases from Sardinia included in this report. I apologize for the lack of suggested retail price information — these wines appear to be brand new to the U.S. market, so information is not yet available.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2016 Réva Langhe Bianco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

Bright yellow color. On the nose, I get lemon and lime pith, cut flower stems, dandelion, and interesting notes of green olives and chalk dust. Creamy texture but zesty acidity, with flavors of lemon curd, orange peel and green apple. Notes of sea salt, chalk dust and dandelion add complexity. Brisk but pretty with significant textural depth. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris fermented in old oak and stainless steel. (88 points)

2015 Réva Barbera d'Alba Superiore - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Light purple color. Smells of juicy dark fruit (gushing plums, black cherries) along with violets, cola, sweet coffee. Full-bodied and juicy with medium tannins and tart acidity. Plummy and packed with black cherries along with roses, violets, clove, some earthy-coffee notes. Delicious, fruity yet crisp and interesting. (89 points)

2016 Réva Dolcetto d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba

Deep purple color. Nose of violets, dark chocolate, sweet dark plums and black cherries, with notes of sweet caramel. Medium+ bodied with some dusty tannins, but not harsh, and tart, mouth-watering acidity. Fun and fleshy with fresh black cherries, fig paste, plum cake, and I get some dark chocolate, sweet cola, violets and loamy soil. Tasty, tangy stuff. (88 points)

2015 Réva Nebbiolo d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Nebbiolo d'Alba

Light ruby color. Bright red currants, tart cranberry, some roses, needs air but opens to show more spiced tea and earthy tones. Solid structure from the tannins, refreshing acidity, I get lots of tart red and black currants. Notes of graphite, loamy soil, charred herbs, some dark coffee. It’s a good introductory Nebbiolo, not a ton of depth but it hits all the right spots and could definitely benefit from five years in the cellar to unwind. From vineyards in Montforte d’Alba, aged 12 months in Austrian oak. (88 points)

2013 Réva Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

Bright ruby color. Aromas of tart red and black cherries and currants, rose potpourri, tobacco, rosemary. Sturdy grip, bright acidity, tart black cherries and red currants but the fruit is deep and concentrated, too, and the balance is impressive. Tobacco, graphite, fallen leaves, clove, and there’s a dusty, intriguing mineral component. So young but impressive. (91 points)

2013 Réva Barolo Ravera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

Deep ruby color. Rich, bold fruit aromas of black cherries, cherries plum skins, violets, loam, graphite, magic marker, anise. Full and grippy on the palate, this has serious oomph and bright acidity. Dense (of course this is very young) but it’s gorgeous, lots of plums, black cherries, tangy currants. Loaded with anise, loam, graphite, pepper, violets, leather. 15 years should do wonders. (92 points)

2013 Oddero Barolo Rocche di Castiglione - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

Bright ruby color. Nose shows dusty earth, tobacco and mushrooms on top of tangy cherries and plums, lots of red flowers and spiced tea. Seriously grippy and dry tannins on the palate with medium+ acidity, this is very young but not too harsh. Tangy red fruits (cherries, pomegranate, raspberry), loaded with black tea, roses, grilled mushrooms. Needs time but a vibrant young Barolo. (90 points)

2007 Oddero Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

Calm ruby color. Wow the aromas burst with tart black cherries and red currants, along with leather, grilled mushrooms, wet earth, roses, coffee grounds. Dusty but strong tannins with vibrant acidity, dry and tight and needs lots of time, but it shows lots of vibrant, tart red currants, black cherries, plum skins. Notes of mushroom, leather, black pepper, coffee, and a host of underlying mineral and earthy tones. This really opens up and gets more floral and mineral complexity. Don’t worry about forgetting this in cellar for five years. (93 points)

2016 Olianas Vermentino di Sardegna - Italy, Sardinia, Vermentino di Sardegna

Bright yellow color. So, so peachy and floral on the nose, along with freshly cut oranges and some sea salt. Brisk and salty but also juicy and waxy on the palate, with salted lime, orange peel and summer peaches. Notes of cut flower stems, green tea, chalk dust, this has impressive complexity and depth but is also super bright and easy to drink – solid stuff. (89 points)

2016 Olianas Cannonau di Sardegna - Italy, Sardinia, Cannonau di SardegnaBright ruby color. The nose pops with raspberries, strawberries, black cherries, along with spicy herbs, tobacco and sweet coffee. Juicy and accessible on the palate with easy-going tannins and medium acidity. This is packed with raspberries and bright strawberries, it’s a lighter style but super fruity. Nice kick of pepper, clove, cola. Food-friendly, fun, a great barbecue wine for sure. (88 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.