Nebbiolo Canavese 'Maura Nen' Luca Leggero 2022

The Nebbiolo Canavese ‘Maura Nen’ is configured as the most prestigious and representative label of Luca Leggero, a winemaker from Piedmont established in the Canavese area, particularly on the hills of Villareggia. This label is produced with Picotener, or Picotendro, a clone of Nebbiolo widespread in Valle d’Aosta and Canavese, regions where it provides wines that are generally fresher and lighter compared to those from Lower Piedmont. The name Picotener originates from a dialectal expression that translates as “small and tender,” emphasizing the appearance and consistency of the grapes. Meanwhile, the name ‘Maura Nen’ comes from the local dialect and means “not ripe,” referring both to the sandy soils of morainic origin where the grapes grow and to the history of the winery itself.

Luca Leggero ‘Maura Nen’ Canavese Nebbiolo is a 100% Picotener from vines cultivated following the principles of organic farming on morainic soils rich in sand. After harvesting, the bunches are transferred to the winery, where red winemaking takes place with alcoholic fermentation in contact with the skins in truncated conical wooden tanks, all at controlled temperature to preserve the aromas of the must. This is followed by aging for 10 months in large Austrian oak barrels of 25 and 50 hectoliters and 750-liter amphorae, with the final market release occurring no sooner than an additional 12 months of bottle aging.

conical wooden barrels, all at controlled temperature to preserve the aromas of the must. This is followed by aging for 10 months in large Austrian oak barrels of 25 and 50 hectoliters and 750-liter amphorae, with the final market release occurring no sooner than an additional 12 months of bottle aging.

The Canavese Nebbiolo ‘Maura Nen’ by Luca Leggero has a pale ruby red color with garnet reflections. The aromatic profile is defined by floral and fruity notes of rose, violet, plum, and cherry, combined with complex spicy hints reminiscent of vanilla, nutmeg, and pepper. The initial austerity on the palate, given by the freshness and the intense yet integrated tannins, then merges with a seductive softness, in a progression of long persistence.