Importer notes from Lewis Imports:

"The Adriano family is a classic example of a family-run farm, a true tradition in Piedmont. At the beginning of the 1900’s, Giuseppe and Teresa Adriano were tenant farmers. Their son Aldo and his wife Maddalena bought the first family property in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio township. Marco and Vittorio, with their respective wives, Luciana and Grazia, joined the family enterprise during the 1990’s, streamlining production and perfecting a marketing strategy that culminated in their strong expansion into international markets.

The estate is located in the heart of the Langhe region of Piedmont in the San Rocco Seno d’Elvio township. Marco and Vittorio Adriano cultivate vines and vinify exclusively with their own grapes to make wines that wholly reflect the terroir. The Adriano family began winemaking at the turn of the last century when Giuseppe, a tenant farmer began to cultivate vines. His son Aldo joined him in the enterprise and together they bought and planted a small estate. In turn, the grandchildren Marco and Vittorio, cultivated the love for their land and its fruits, making the company grow. It is the 1994 harvest when they decide to wine their grapes by bottling the first bottles with the label Adriano. The future of the enterprise seems assured with Elisa and Andrea, Marco and Luciana's children, along with Sophia, who is the youngest daughter of Vittorio and Grazia."

About the cuvee:

The Basarin vineyard is located in the town of Neive, with southeast exposure at 300 meters. The Adrianos farm 5.2 hectares of the vineyard, with their Nebbiolo vines averaging 20 years old. Silt and clay based soils are layered above marl parent rock. After a mid-October harvest, grapes are destemmed and crushed, and fermented by native yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration is done by the traditional Piedmontese method of submerged cap, and lasts about three weeks. It is aged for at least 12 months in 30-50 hectoliter oak, followed by 9 months in bottle.

Flor impressions:

We love the 2019 vintage in Piedmont and Adriano's "Basarin" strikes a pleasant balance of youthful, fruit-driven freshness and traditional structure. Bright aromas of fresh strawberries are coupled with earth, black plum and sweet fennel seed. The palate sports firm-textured tannins with plenty of acidity that lets you know, you are definitely drinking traditionally made Nebbiolo. Excellent quality to price ratio for a bottle that drinks well now, and will easily age for 7-10 years.

-GG, tasted 4/4/24