The Producer
Winegrowers in Langhe since 1856, the Germano’s have always been quality focused, employing innovative practices such as massal selection in their vineyards as early as the 1950s. Ettore Germano produces 5 Barolos all of which are grown in Serralunga d’Alba, 4 of these are single vineyard bottlings and 1 is a blend of the different sites. In addition to their amazing Barolos, they also produce several white and red wines, from both indigenous and international varieties. Sergio Germano who runs the Serralunga d’Alba based winery is the 4th generation of winemakers in his family. Sergio makes wine in a way which allows the grapes and terroir to showcase themselves in their purest form. In addition to all of this, Sergio is one of the kindest and most down to earth winemakers we’ve had the pleasure of meeting first hand.
For more information on this amazing producer, and their other wines, be sure to read about our visit to Ettore Germano this past September by visiting this link: Our Visit To Ettore Germano Also, be sure to visit their website which has detailed information on their wines, the history behind the winery, and the amazing people who make Ettore Germano such an outstanding winery: Link to Ettore Germano’s Website
About The Wine
Tempranillo grown in Langhe!? Yes, and it’s delicious!
Ezelindo, is a wine that Sergio Germano made for his wife Elena, who loves Tempranillo, and is named after her grandfather. We first spotted this bottle during our visit to Ettore Germano this past September after we finished our tasting, and were intrigued. Production is a mere 400-600 bottles, and therefore the wine is only sold direct from the winery. We don’t know of anyone else growing Tempranillo in Langhe, but that hasn’t stopped Sergio in the past. He’s one of the few producers in Langhe growing Nascetta today, a grape which went nearly extinct not too long ago. He’s also one of the few in Langhe to produce a sparkling wine made from 100% Nebbiolo, and he was one of the first few to begin producing Alta Langa wine in 2003. It’s clear that Sergio is not afraid of a challenge, nor is her afraid to experiment with such unconventional and/or rare undertakings, but what’s more impressive is how stunning each and every one of these wines are, and Ezelindo is no exception. Grazie mille Elena, Sergio, Francesca, and the entire team at Ettore Germano for sharing this incredible wine with us, and for the amazing visit this past September, we hope to see you again very soon.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Opaque ruby red
Aromas: Spicy with savory notes. Crushed black peppercorns, sage, tomato leafs, crushed cherries, fresh fennel, and a hint of onion skins. A very complex nose, with so many beautiful, distinct, pretty, pronounced, elegant aromas.
Palate: Licorice, crushed cherries, leather, soy, crushed raspberries, apples, with a very faint hint of espresso, vanilla, and tobacco, all of which are beautifully integrated into the wine. Vibrant acidity with a persistent finish. Fruity, yet savory at the same time. A really beautiful expression of the grape.
Notes: Paired with a grilled skirt steak and sautéed Kale, and the pairing couldn’t have been better.
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