Riesling 'Herzu' Ettore Germano 2014

Herzu by Ettore Germano is a successful experiment of Riesling cultivation, a white grape variety typical of the area of Rhine, in Piedmont. The Germano family, owner since 1856 of six hectares of land on the beautiful hill of Cerretta in Serralunga d'Alba and historically involved in the production of Barolo, has recently discovered the potential of the cultivation of white grapes in Alta Langa: Riesling vines planted in 1995 have now given splendid results, thanks to the unique microclimate that characterizes the area. The vineyards of Riesling which compose the Herzu are located in the small town of Cigliè, on the southern edge of the production area of Dolcetto Dogliani, on a hill 550 meters high, composed of calcareous soils. The presence of limestone is markedly inferior to the Barolo area, but in sufficient amounts to give a good structure and minerality to the wines produced here. These soil characteristics, together with the cooler environment, given by the climate area that reaches 500 m above sea level and the proximity to the mountains and to the valley of the river Tanaro, contribute to a "late" maturation of white grapes, such as Riesling, giving freshness and complexity. Thus was born the Herzu by Ettore Germano: a wine with strong "northern" features that can stand the comparison with the great products of the Rhenish vineyards.