September 2024 - a Castel story by Ivana Capraro

Roero Riserva Bric Aût 2016 - Generaj winery

Every month we present a wine from our cellar that our sommelier Ivana Capraro recommends for that month.

September 2024

The treasure trove of Piedmont

The month of September brings the hectic but beautiful time of the grape harvest to my mind, the good smell of the first new wines to my nose and the glow of the autumn landscapes to my inner eye. I feel particularly fascinated by Piedmont.

But this region offers more than the world-famous names Barolo and Barbaresco. Piedmont is full of extraordinary diversity and a rich oenological heritage. During my many trips there, one area in particular has fascinated me: the Roero.

It lies on the left bank of the Tanaro river - between Langhe and Monferrato - and offers a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and impressive rock faces.

The name comes from the noble Roero family who once ruled here. In addition to wine, thanks to the fertile soil, there are also old chestnut forests, as well as plenty of fruit and vegetable cultivation and, of course, plenty of hazelnuts. The most important wines include the Roero Rosso made from Nebbiolo grapes and the Roero Arneis, a fragrant white wine.

The Roero is one of the most popular and recognised wine-growing regions in Piedmont. It is also a land of excellent wines that combines great history with innovation to create the highest quality.

For wine lovers, the region is a must and a journey to discover authentic flavours and a unique culture.

The winery

Azienda Agricola Generaj

The story of Generaj is not just that of a winery, but the story of a family, a vision and a deep love of the land. It was founded after the Second World War by Giuseppe Viglione - known as "Pinot" - and is now run by his grandson Giuseppe "Beppe". The winery is located in the heart of the Roero, surrounded by vineyards that tell many stories of ancient times.

"Beppe" is the 7th generation of his family to grow wine and respect for nature has always been the key to producing authentic wines. With the Generaj winery, the family is not only a wine producer, but also a guardian of the traditions of the Roero.

Every single bottle produced tells the story of this land, characterised by sunshine, winds that caress the vineyards and a rich soil that gives the wines their unmistakable personality.

For wine lovers, discovering Generaj is like finding a hidden treasure. It is an experience that goes beyond simple tasting, a journey to the authentic flavours of the Roero. Every sip is an experience and a piece of family history. And that is the true meaning of life for wine lovers.

The wine

Roero Riserva D.o.c.g. Bric Aût 2016

"The quintessence of Nebbiolo from Generaj."

Nebbiolo, known as the "king of wines and wine of kings", is the symbolic grape variety of Piedmont. The name probably derives from "Nebbia", the mist that envelops the vineyards during the autumn harvest. The wine is demanding in the vineyard and cellar, but in return offers exceptional complexity and longevity.

With the Roero Riserva D.o.c.g. Bric Aût 2016, the Generaj winery has created a true masterpiece that perfectly captures the power and elegance of Nebbiolo. This wine, born on the hills of the Roero, is not just a pleasure, but an experience that epitomises the passion and tradition of this region.

2016 is an exceptional vintage. The Nebbiolo vines have developed incredible complexity and depth under ideal conditions. After 24 months in oak barrels and further ageing in the bottle, the Riserva has reached its full expressiveness.

The Bric Aût 2016 is an expression of the passion and expertise of the Generaj winery. For lovers of Nebbiolo and Roero, this wine is an unmissable experience that no collection should be without.

Where does the name come from?

According to the story, Generaj is the name that was once given to this family. It is derived from an ancestor who lived in the 19th century, the "General". Bric Aût, is in dialect and would be translated into Italian: "bricco alto" meaning "top of the hill".

Grape variety:

100% Nebbiolo

Colour:

Intense garnet red colour

Nose:

Rich and complex bouquet: cherries, violet notes and spicy aromas

Palate:

The silky, well-integrated tannins blend with a lively freshness and give a feeling of fullness and harmony, with a lingering spicy and fruity note

Pairing:

The wine goes perfectly with strong meat dishes - for example the braised beef cheek from chef Gerhard Wieser - but also mature cheese

Salute!

Would you like to try it?

Enjoy Castel wines at home

You can enjoy this magnificent wine and other wines from Az. Agricola Generaj at the Castel and take some home with you from our hotel's own wine shop at attractive prices. Alternatively, we will be happy to send you your favourite wines directly.

Cheers!

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