Italiano
Let’s talk about Gutturnio
Beloved by those who know it, it is not a very popular wine outside Emilia, but it manages to be appreciated abroad because of its important structure and, it doesn't hurt, its low price.
Let's leave aside the probable Etruscan-Roman origins of this full-bodied red, as well as the history of the name, which identifies its origin in gutturnium, a serving jug about whose findings (and disappearances) in the Piacenza area a book could be written. Let's devote a moment to its recent history, when, in 1938, the name Gutturnio first appeared on a wine label or when, in 1941, the Ministry of Agriculture included it in the list of "typical and valuable" wines. Modern history, on the other hand, was born in 1967, with the definition of the DOC, and with the subsequent changes that provide for different types, the most famous of which still divide enthusiasts as to which is better, whether still or sparkling Gutturnio.
What is certain, and stable from the beginning, is its production base: a blend of Barbera (55 percent to 70 percent) and Croatina (30 percent to 45 percent), the two symbolic grape varieties of the Piacenza area, a blend that was created to seek balance by combining (and smoothing) the acidity of Barbera and the tannicity of Croatina.
We propose two wines that we think are interesting to point out, for their excellent quality and "u-15" price (within 15 euros), in line with the spirit of this column. They are Cantina Valtidone's Gutturnio Riserva Bollo Rosso 2018 and Luretta's Gutturnio Superiore 2018.
Founded in 1966, Cantina Valtidone is one of the most important wineries in the entire Piacenza area, having 220 members as conferring members. It pursues the concept of sustainable viticulture by certifying itself in organic farming and extending this practice to all conferring members since 1978, with a policy of positive economic enhancement for the entire agricultural economy of the district.
As for Luretta, a private entity on the other hand, since its founding Felice Salamini and Carla Asti have focused on quality. Based on the concepts of organic farming, they decided to make wines that could keep up with the world's most important wines, while working in an area that is little known but has enormous potential. Clonal selections, technical skill, self-sacrifice and passion have led to amazing results, with a range of wines of great quality. The winery's new headquarters at Momeliano Castle has become a hub for wine enthusiasts.
To learn more about the characteristics of the wines we have selected, click on the names.
- Cantina Valtidone Colli Piacentini Gutturnio Riserva Bollo Rosso 2018
- Luretta Gutturnio Superiore 2018
