Back in about 2011, when I was looking to shift from studying genocide to wine, I looked into doing field work in northern Italy. Valtellina, to be specific. In the end, although I loved the place, it didn’t work out. More about logistics than the people, who were wonderful. Dirupi is one of the winemakers I talked to, and would have been working with. Their wine is almost impossible to find in the UK, but I did.
I’m afraid my review will be a bit short, since I was too stuck on enjoying the wine, and didn’t take as copious notes as I would have liked. Nonetheless, I wanted to give Dirupi some love, so here’s a short review. Disclaimer: Yes, I’ve had Dirupi wine before, but not this vintage. It must be on the order of 10 years since I last had one of theirs.
In the glass
Bright, ruby, crystal clear. Very pretty. That’s it. I was too eager to see if the wine matched the memories I have of it.
The nose
‘Yes.’ That’s my initial observation. I can be ever-so-helpful at times. I did manage to expand it a bit, to red fruits: red currants, mulberry, a hint of bramble.
The palate
It’s a light to medium-bodied wine. Not surprising, given it is Nebbiolo, or as it is known locally, Chiavennesca. Nice acidity, and low-ish tannins. Crisp. Something like a bit of green apple, or perhaps apple skins on the palate in addition to the red fruits. A nice, slightly sour (in a good way) finish. Unfortunately, I don’t have a note on the length of the finish. But I seem to remember it being decently long.
Rating
Yummy-double-plus-good overall with a Very Pretty rating for the visual. Oh so very drinkable. Both a wine to sip and enjoy, and one that you can just drink. It goes down easily, but rewards attention.
This wine is everything I remember it to be. I like to think that’s not just bias – I’ve had wines I haven’t had in a few years and found they didn’t always live up to their memories.
Sustainability
They are certified organic, Low-intervention with natural yeasts in the vineyard, and low sulphites.
The technical info and such
13% ABV. 100% Nebbiolo. £21 from Buon Vino