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Castel Noarna
History of the Estate:
The actual castle of the Castel Noarna estate dates back to the 6th century, when it was built as a fortress to protect the local lands. The subsequent years have left their mark all over the castle, and signs of medieval and renaissance architecture are still present throughout the modern-day structure. This family-run estate now utilizes the most ancient parts of the castle to make their wines. The thick stone walls control the inside temperature, and keep a constant level of humidity believed by the producer to be perfect for making wine. The family actually still inhabits other parts of the castle to this day.
The Castel Noarna winemaking philosophy has always been one of "no compromise". This small estate manages to grow enough fruit on its steeply terraced grounds to produce only 35,000 bottles/year. However, this fruit and the wine produced from it must be only the highest-quality. The estate grows many grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rheinriesling, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Perhaps even more interesting are two other varieties specifically indigenous to the area of Nogaredo; Lagrein and Nosiola. Lagrein is a local red variety used in the estate's most prized blend, the "Romeo". Nosiola, perhaps even more interesting, is an aromatic white which the estate vinifies by itself as is traditionally done in this part of Italy. In other words, overall Castel Noarna manages to strike a perfect balance between upholding the past and protecting the cultural identity within which these wines are produced, while still striving for contemporary improvements and utilizing the best of modern-day technology.
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Bianco di Castelnuovo
Vineyard: Terraced rows descending from the estate's castle. Soil is sandy and loose with lots of lime. Vines are around 10 years old.
Varietal: 40% Rheinriesling, 25% Gewurztraminer, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Chardonnay.
Vinification: Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel and barrels for at least 9 months- no new oak. Partial malolactic fermentation. Bottle-aged at least 8 months before release.
Color: pale yellow with bright reflections.
Aroma: Lemon, clean minerals and white peach.
Flavor: Crisp and refreshing, citrus and minerals support a long finish. Fruity and complex with gooseberry and peaches.
Food Pairing: This wine can support more substantial foods such as light pasta dishes, soups and stronger cheeses. Also a lovely aperitif with antipasti or crostini.
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Lagrein
Vineyard: Terraced rows descending from the estate's castle. Soil is sandy and loose with lots of lime.
Varietal: 100% Lagrein.
Vinification: Stainless steel and oak barrels used variably depending on vintage.
Color: Deep purple with garnet reflections.
Aroma: Red fruits, fresh wildflowers and mountain grasses, cooking spice.
Flavor: Red fruits, earth, round tannins.
Food Pairing: Aged cheeses, braised meats and polenta.
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Nosiola
Vineyard: Terraced rows descending from the estate's castle. Soil is sandy and loose with lots of lime. Vines are over 20 years old.
Varietal: 100% Nosiola, harvested by hand during the first 15 days of October.
Vinification: Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and barrels for at least 9 months- no new oak. Partially developed malolactic fermentation.
Color: pale straw with hints of green reflections.
Aroma: floral- roses and violets. Some meadow grass and suggestions of mandarin citrus.
Flavor: dry and refreshing, well-balanced acidity suggesting citrus again, long finish highlighted by herbal wildflowers.
Food Pairing: Wonderful as an aperitif, pairs well with soft, mild cheeses and fresh fruit.
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Romeo
Vineyard: Terraced rows descending from the estate's castle. Soil is sandy and loose with lots of lime.
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 10% Lagrein.
Vinification: barrel aged over 24 months in French Oak, and then aged another year in the bottle before release. Complete malolactic fermentation.
Color: Deep ruby with highlights of purple.
Aroma: Black berries and black plums, vanilla, clove and tobacco.
Flavor: Dry, both fruit and wood tannins. Elegant and supple mouth-feel. Fresh fruit and spicy, persistent finish.
Food Pairing: Braised meats, rustic polenta, lasagne or roasted fowl.
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Castel Noarna Wines
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