Bricco Ernesto, Rebellious Nature 2020

Rebellious Nature is a new label and collaboration with us, created by Renato Vezza of Bricco Ernesto. For those unfamiliar with Bricco Ernesto, it is both a vineyard and the name of the grower. Bricco Ernesto is two people - Renato and Elisa - crafting an Arneis based Bianco and Nebbiolo based Rosso in miniscule quantities (fewer than 4k combined bottles per year).

Bricco Ernesto is the only address in Roero that has truly transcended the appellation, reputation-wise. Also imported by names such as Becky Wasserman and Noble Rot, the wines are allocated a few years in advance and are known for their energy and emotional signatures. Renato is one of the few in Piedmont to bottle outside of his appellation - he is also an untrained winemaker who works entirely by feel. The name of this project is reflective of him.

2020 Rebellious Nature - The beginning. Roughly 60% Barbera, 40% Nebbiolo, co-fermented in wooden "tino" and aged in neutral oak barrel. Not filtered and all old-vines. Of the two wines, this is the most structured and built for the long haul. I've always thought Barbera on the nose, Nebbiolo on the palate, but describing the nose as "Barbera" definitely sells short the extraordinary quality and energy simmering below the surface of this wine. Best on day 2 and 3.