Cantine Gemma Ruja Nebbiolo d'Alba

Gemma came into being in 1978, when Silvano Piacentini decided to found a new wine producing enterprise in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba, located inside an old winery which had formerly belonged to the Marchesi Falletti’s Opera Pia Barolo (the premises have now been completely renovated, with state-of-theart vinification equipment and new barrels). The Gemma company actually owns around 16 hectares (39.5 acres) of vineyards – divided up between the communes of Serralunga and Monforte d’Alba, of which 65% consist of plantings of Nebbiolo for Barolo.

An enticing nose of dried cherries, plums and leather. The palate is full of sweet red fruits nicely encased by the tannins which are firm but by no means overbearing. For those who can't wait for their Barolo to mature, this is definitely the next best thing. Drink with home-made pasta or ravioli.