Visiting Traversa was one of those wine-made moments I’ll never forget. The people, the land, Nebbiolo, Barbera…the people! Their wines vibrate, limestone-licked and expressed. The winemakers’ warmth present in every sip.
Mid-tasting, the broody skies typical to the Langhe let LOOSE! The lights flickered through the cobwebs and Flavio’s tasting was often muffled by bouts of booms. We carried on. The power cut completely at one point and there was a brief pause to organize flood relief efforts in the cantina. We carried on. On to the Nebbiolos and finishing with a gorgeous 2015 Barbaresco.
Here I am with winemaker and wonderful human Franco, brother to Flavio. It’s a family affair. The Favalosi Franco + Flavio <3 I love their wines!!
I do declare! My my, it seems that Purple Heart awards are expanding. They are more than just a good bottle. Congrats to Traversa for winning my first meaningless award as a Purple Hearted Producer! Whatever it is, you won my heart.
And now to the most important part. The wines.
Started off with a bang, a gorgeous stoned Arneis eating watermelon while sitting on a violin bow. And that was just the nose. The mouth is expansive and oily with roses and citrus. Grapefruit jumps higher than the lemons and oranges.
I will say as a whole, Piemonte, let the Sauvignon Blanc go. Not sure why you’re into this, but you’re not vibing.
Then there was Dolcetto. The nose nuzzles with soft red fruits and lots of lovies. The mouth, quote, unquote: Tell me more. Fruity breath whispers.
Of course, the Barbera d’Alba, a Purple Heart recipient.
Traversa ❤️ This La Burdinota del Ciabot Barbera d’Alba was immediately awarded a Purple Heart upon tasting. A WOW nose! Think of nearly cooled birthday candles on a confetti cake with tons of raspberries and cherries. The mouth is full of wild red fruits and is simply spectacular. Vibrant and much less crunchy than the overshadowing Nebbiolo. The next ten years will only enhance its flair.
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! I imagine Barbera is like Jan Brady, always second to its sister Nebbiolo. I love how @winefolly describes the grape: “Barbera: The wine Italy never talks about.” And yet it is Italy’s third-most planted grape. So stop being a Barolo whore and try cheaper, more elegant wines from the Barbera variety. Just make sure you start with something from the Piemonte region, more specifically the Langhe or Monferrato. Then you can play around and try some Cali babes, but I’ll stick with Alba💋 Think of nearly cooled birthday candles on a confetti cake with tons of raspberries and cherries. The mouth is full of wild red fruits and is simply spectacular. Vibrant and much less crunchy than the overshadowing Nebbiolo. The next ten years will only enhance its flair.
After I finish my thoughts, I always like to go see what the fancy palates thought of the wine, as well as all the @vivino folk. Seems like I’m much more into it, but that’s just proof to a point I so often highlight: Taste is subjective. If you find any wines from Traversa, go ahead and grab a bottle or two. Try for yourself 🤟🏻🍷❤️🇮🇹
Nebbiolos, yes, of course, you guys vibrateeeee.
The lights came back on!
And then a 2015 Barbaresco. The nose goes fishing for raspberries with an old lady standing at the back of the dock. Anise. In the mouth, bitter chocolate reels in blueberries covered in leather. The mouth LINGERS.
Taken directly from the notebook. It was midday, my senses were stimulated and oh what a moment.
If you’re ever in the Langhe, it’s a must-visit.
