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Sandrone

Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d’Alba 2023

Nebbiolo d'Alba

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In the Roero zone, in the town of Vezza d’Alba, on the left bank of the river Tanaro, the concave Valmaggiore hill is one of the best historic examples of origin and quality. Already in the nineteenth century, the Nebbiolo grapes grown in this vineyard were so highly regarded that they dictated the price for the entire territory. In the 1990s, the first sight of Valmaggiore was like a bolt of lightning for Luciano and Luca: they fell in love at first sight. This was not only for the history and the long viticultural tradition, but also for the particular uniqueness of those sandy soils combined with the microclimate.

VINEYARD

Vineyard in the village of Vezza d'Alba, shaped as an amphitheater and south facing, with soft, sandy soil and extremely steep slopes.

WINEMAKING

Spontaneous fermentation from indigenous yeasts. Maceration and fermentation in open steel tanks, followed by malolactic and ageing in French oak tonneaux of 500L.

VINTAGE

The 2023 Piedmont growing season faced numerous challenges, including a wet spring, frost in early April, and a mix of hail, heat, and drought in summer. The frost caused significant crop losses, with some vineyards losing 10 to 50% of their fruit. Despite these challenges, dry conditions in August and September allowed the smaller crop to ripen well. The harvest took place in late September and early October, with producers noting excellent quality grapes. Though yields were down, this vintage produced well-structured wines with good aging potential.

TASTING NOTE

Deep garnet color, very typical of the Valmaggiore bottlings. Roses, red cherries and spiced blood orange with red grapefruit peel dominate the aromas. On the palate, lots of spicy red cherries and floral notes, with good length and very fresh.

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Nebbiolo

Appellation

Nebbiolo d'Alba

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$60

Reviews

92+

Jeb Dunnuck - May 1, 2025 "Coming from Roero, the 2023 Nebbiolo D'Alba Valmaggiore’s nose is pretty and inviting, with pure notes of raspberries, strawberries, ripe sweet herbs, and floral perfume. Elegant and refined, it has fine tannins, even acidity, and a very graceful feel. While it’s elegant and charming, it’s more than just a simple quaffer and has a remarkably graceful touch."

91

James Suckling - May 16, 2025 "A layered wine with red currants, red cherries, licorice and dried flowers on the nose. Light-bodied, this shows savoriness with an overall austere structure and a crisp and balanced finish."

90

Wine Spectator - November 30, 2025 "A mix of cherry, cinnamon and earth flavors, this red is elegant yet lean and firmly structured. An astringent feel graces the finish, where the fruit is buried for now. Classy."

90

Wine Advocate - June 19, 2025 "The Luciano Sandrone 2023 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore shows dark fruit aromas with hints of grilled herb, tar, eggplant skin and black olive that recall a hot growing season. To the palate, the wine is quite streamlined with moderate length. This is a more accessible vintage for near-term drinking."

Trade Materials

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Sandrone Valmaggiore Bottle Shot

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