Great Article on Italian Wine

Interesting...but in my experience, Gattinara has been disappointing-thin and weak tasting. However, years ago, I used to love the Spannas of Lorenzo Vallana. Whatever happened to them?

Both the elderly Dessilani & Vallana passed in the mid 80's--Nephew making wine @ Dessilani. Guy Fogarty, English son in law winemaker @ Vallana---Prior to 1967 when DOC rules were in effect---both wineries used grapes from the South to lend some heft to Gattinara, Ghemme & Spanna.

Antoniolo & Traviglini make good Gattinara. Anjelo Gaja purchased the winery, Le Colline, which was excellent. I know Le Colline owned some vineyards near Gaja, I'm sure Gaja has integrated the Barbaresco into his bottlings---Don't know what he did with Gattinara vineyards.

Most wine drinkers who like the weight & tannins of Barolo/Barbaresco, find wines of Novara-Vercelli(Gattinara etc) too light. Both the Wine Advocate & Wine Spectator are not champions of Gattinara. English writers more receptive.