2005 Luigi Pira Langhe Nebbiolo ‘Le Ombre’
Giampaolo Pira presides over a Serralunga estate in Piedmont’s Barolo territory that dates from the 1950s, but he has been bottling wine only since 1993, when he met up with exporter Marc de Grazia, who recognized the potential. Now the estate produces not only wonderful Barolos but also this lovely Nebbiolo called “Le Ombre” (the shadows). Cool and elegant, the 2005 carries the scent and taste of earth and dark cherries. The fruit has an appealing depth that reveals more as the wine opens up. Absolutely delicious drinking and a nice alternative to skyrocketing Barolo prices.
Pull the cork on a bottle to pour with grilled duck breast, pork roast, grilled sausages.
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--S. Irene Virbila
Region: Piedmont
Price: About $24
Style: Elegant
Food it goes with: Pasta with meat ragu, grilled duck breast or sausages, pork roast.
Where you find it: L.A. Wine Co. in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-9463, www.lawineco.com; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76WINEX, www.winex.com.