PIEDMONT, ITALY [Torrazza]
[VINTAGE NOTES 2024]:
There’s something quietly electric about Erbaluce, but let’s not keep it too quiet. It’s one of those wines that feels like a discovery every time you pour it. Alpine sunshine in a glass, a reminder that Piemonte is not only Nebbiolo’s deep, brooding register. It can run bright, too.Ferrando sits up in the north, where Piemonte starts to lean into the Alps, and Erbaluce thrives in that in-between space: cool air, bright light and mineral-driven soils. And here’s the fun bit of history: this very estate was the first winery Neal Rosenthal ever imported into the United States. Before the empire, before the portfolio, before the legend, there was Ferrando. You can picture that early tasting, the moment of recognition, and the decision to begin right here.
 
The 2024 feels like a continuation of that spark. The nose is lively and a touch playful: green apple crunch, white peach, Meyer lemon, then acacia flowers, chamomile and a little almond-skin note that keeps things grounded. Underneath it all sits a cool, stony note, like river rocks in a glacier-fed stream.On the palate, it stays bright and buoyant, less sharp than splashy, carrying citrus zest, underripe pear and a gentle honeyed note that never turns heavy. There’s a subtle grip through the middle, a little texture that gives it shape, then the finish lands on saline snap, citrus oil and a faint herbal whisper.This is a wine that rewards attention one sip at a time. It’s joyful, a little mischievous, and deeply refreshing—perfect for spring tables that are finally waking up. Fennel and orange salad, trout with brown butter, fresh chèvre with olive oil… or honestly, just a sunny afternoon and a second glass already poured before you’ve quite finished the first.
 
Here are some good food pairings:
 
 
 
Lighter Fare: Its crispness is perfect for antipasti, especially those with vegetables, and salads with a light vinaigrette.
Seafood and Fish: It pairs well with both saltwater and freshwater fish, from simply grilled white fish to marinated trout, as its acidity cuts through richness.
Dairy: The wine's acidity beautifully complements and cleanses the palate when paired with fresh or soft cheeses like goat cheese or burrata.
Regional Specialties: A classic combination is with local Piedmontese cuisine, such as cabbage soup, or dishes featuring vegetables and river fish.