La Trava, Barbaresco 5L 2019

La Trava is a boutique winery in Piemonte, known for crafting expressive Nebbiolo wines that showcase the elegance and complexity of the Langhe region. Their Barbaresco 2019 in a 5L format is a rare and special bottling, ideal for ageing or sharing on grand occasions. Sourced from prime vineyards with limestone and clay-rich soils, this wine is aged in large oak barrels to enhance its finesse and structure. Barbaresco is often considered the more approachable counterpart to Barolo, yet it still offers excellent depth, ageing potential, and a refined tannic backbone.

Appearance: Deep garnet with a radiant brick-orange hue at the rim, showcasing Nebbiolo’s natural evolution. The wine has a luminous clarity, with slow-moving legs that suggest a balanced alcohol level and well-integrated structure. The larger format helps preserve its freshness and complexity over time.

Aroma: Elegant and complex, with enticing notes of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and dried rose petals. Floral hints of violets and orange zest add freshness, while underlying earthy notes of truffle, forest floor, and tobacco provide depth. Subtle nuances of anise, cedar, and white pepper emerge with time, revealing the wine’s layered complexity.

Taste: Refined yet powerful, with a core of red berry fruit balanced by Nebbiolo’s signature acidity. Flavours of sour cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate are interwoven with savoury elements of liquorice, dried thyme, and nutmeg. The tannins are structured but polished, creating a silky mouthfeel that leads to a mineral-driven mid-palate. The well-judged oak influence adds subtle notes of spice and cedar without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering notes of dried roses, red fruit, and a touch of balsamic. The tannins remain firm yet elegant, ensuring longevity and continued development in the bottle. A final flourish of earthy truffle, tobacco, and spice leaves a lasting impression of sophistication and complexity.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with braised beef cheek in Barbaresco, where the wine’s structure and acidity enhance the dish’s richness while complementing the slow-cooked depth of flavour. Also an excellent match with aged pecorino and truffle honey, as the wine’s tannins balance the cheese’s sharpness while harmonising with the earthy sweetness of the honey.