“Fine energy and tons of class. This is a fabulous entry-level offering. Would cost 3 to 4 times as much in many other regions.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

This domaine in northern Italy is so close to the Swiss border that you can practically hear them yodelling. It is situated in the little-known Val d’Ossola in Alto Piemonte, the region’s northernmost appellation. The name is derived from the ancient Roman name for the region, Ossolanum, and this wine, ‘Munaloss’, is just that name in reverse.

It’s a blend of 80% Prünent (the local name for Nebbiolo) and 20% Croatina and would give any Langhe Nebbiolo a run for its money (a race that it would win, thanks to its altitude training). It’s young and vibrant, like cherry-red lipstick, full of ripe Nebbiolo flavours and gleaming with alpine freshness. When I was there recently, I had a wonderful dish of bigoli pasta with goose ragu and this would have been the perfect accompaniment, as it has the perfectly attuned acidity for rich sauces or dishes such as roast duck or pork belly. 13% alc. Drink now-2034.

Press review:

Vinous (previous vintage): “The 2023 Vina Rosso ‘Munaloss’ is a wine of extreme beauty. The aromatics alone are just captivating. Pliant, racy and generous, the 2023 is pure seduction. Soft contours wrap around a core of sweet red-toned fruit, while kirsch, rose petal, orange peel and cedar are all pushed forward.“ 92 points