When Produttori di Carema's Riserva hits its mark, the wine represents some of the best value to be had in Piedmont.

2013 is one of those vintages. When we tasted it, there was no question that this was Back Up the Truck quality.

Throughout Piedmont, 2013 is poised to be one of the very best vintages of the past decade. It’s a vintage of such balance, complexity and depth that it’s already drawing comparisons to 2010.

The 2013 Carema Riserva is a wine of shocking energy and purity. The wine has incredible agility, but also length and presence. There's a beautiful, radiant delicacy, but you shouldn't let its lacy gracefulness fool you. Caremas possess impressive aging potential. Whereas Barolos and Barbarescos rely on their tannins to age, these wines age on their acid structures and overall balance and harmony. The silky, briskness of these wines also allows them to drink well young.

Carema is about an hour's drive from Barolo and amounts to its alpine cousin. Carema sits in the shadow of Mt. Blanc and totals a mere 16ha. Because of its stunningly singular expression of Nebbiolo, the appellation has achieved a renown that belies its tiny size.

In Carema, Nebbiolo becomes as fresh and fragrant as the mountains in spring when they're dotted with flowers, yet so packed with nuance that each smell and taste seems to reveal something new: Cinnamon-tinged cherry fruit, herbs, a detailed minerality and that absolutely beguiling perfume that only Nebbiolo can deliver.

The growers of Carema tend to have very small holdings, often 0.5ha or even less. This is where the quality-oriented co-op Produttori di Carema comes in. They handle the vinification and aging, which would be difficult for the small growers. The Carema Riserva represents a painstaking selection of the very best botti, the large casks traditional to the region.

It's rare that we find wines that deliver so much at this price point. For us, it's a cause for celebration. We taste hundreds of wines a year and only a tiny fraction make the cut.

To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits

2013 Produttori di Carema Carema Riserva