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Description

This bottle is a true piece of history—a 1979 Gattinara from the iconic Travaglini estate. Hailing from the rugged, mineral-rich volcanic soils of Alto Piemonte, this wine is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo (locally known as Spanna). Travaglini is renowned not only for its exceptional wines but also for its distinctive, patented asymmetrical bottle, designed by Giancarlo Travaglini in 1958 to naturally catch sediment during decanting while fitting perfectly in the hand.

At nearly 50 years of age, this 1979 vintage offers a rare window into the longevity and elegance of Gattinara. While younger expressions of Travaglini’s Gattinara are celebrated for their vibrant red fruit, smoky minerality, and structured tannins, a bottle with this much maturity will have evolved into something profoundly complex. Expect the fierce, youthful tannins of the Nebbiolo grape to have softened into a silky, ethereal texture, revealing tertiary notes of dried rose petals, forest floor, old leather, tobacco, and balsamic undertones. It is a quintessential 'food wine' that demands to be treated with respect; I recommend standing the bottle upright for a day to let any sediment settle, followed by careful decanting just before serving.

This is not merely a drink, but an experience. It pairs magnificently with traditional Piedmontese cuisine—think rich, savory dishes like braised wild boar, slow-cooked osso buco, truffle-infused risotto, or aged hard cheeses like Castelmagno. Drinking a 1979 Travaglini is a testament to the family's historic dedication to tradition and their deep respect for the unique terroir of Gattinara. Whether you are adding this to a serious collection or opening it for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner, it serves as a powerful reminder of why Nebbiolo is considered one of the world's most noble and age-worthy grape varieties.