Pizzini L’aquila Nebbiolo 2022

L’aquila is Italian for ‘the eagle’, a bird that exemplifies both elegance and power – a fitting namesake. The grapes come from two different sites; both with ferric and alterite soil, although in differing proportions, one warmer, one cooler. The contrasts draw out both the ethereal and bold characters of the variety with aromas of dried rose petals and fresh cranberries that parry with macerated strawberries, salt plums and cherry tomatoes. A bit of oxygen and it’s not long before bresaola and liquorice join the fray. Layers of red fruit and savoury spice adorn the palate, providing support for Nebbiolo’s characteristically high acid and tannin; both beautifully integrated. Dried herbs and a sultry ferrous tang linger on the finish, hinting at what’s to come. This wine is released at 3 years of age with a promise that patience will reward. 

Nicole Bilson

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Nicole loves wine. So much so that she gave up a successful career in Pharmacy, perfected her spitting technique, and moved from sunny Queensland to the wine-drenched laneways of Melbourne. Stints in hospitality, wineries, retail, sales and marketing filled the next few years while Nicole built her knowledge and searched for the right path. She completed the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma in 2016 and became a certified WSET Educator the following year. She now juggles a number of roles including teaching people about wine, curating wines lists for restaurants and bars, judging in Australian wine shows and, of course, writing. In 2016 she won the Negociants Working With Wine writing award and has since contributed to Gourmet Traveller WINE, Halliday Wine Companion Magazine and Nourish Magazine.

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