At a glance

Producer

Travaglini

Region

Gattinara, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$95 USD

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried cherry, rose, tar, spice, balsamic, and earthy minerality. Taut tannins, vibrant acidity, firm structure

Evolution: Will evolve complex notes of dried plum, truffle, leather, tobacco, iron, and forest floor as tertiary aromas emerge

At peak: Silky, integrated, with deep savory and earthy complexity; classic mature Nebbiolo expression

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

High and firm, but fine-grained

Alcohol

Medium (typically 13.5% ABV)

Aging potential

Strong; can age gracefully over 15-20 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2035

Optimal window

2026 to 2040

Current status

Collectible but enjoyable now with decanting

Current condition

Structured, primary and secondary aromas starting to integrate, tannins remain youthful

2019 is considered an excellent vintage in Gattinara, delivering intensely structured wines built for cellaring. Travaglini's Riserva is made only in top years and released after extended aging. The wine's robust tannic frame and vibrant acidity provide a long arc of maturation, with peak complexity developing after 8–12 years post-vintage, but it remains enjoyable well beyond that window for those who appreciate evolved Nebbiolo.

Food pairing

Braised veal shank (osso buco), aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild mushroom risotto, roast game, duck, truffle-infused dishes

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The high and firm tannins of the Nebbiolo variety benefit from aeration, which can soften the texture and enhance the wine's aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Producer practices responsible vineyard management: manual harvest, minimal chemical inputs, native vegetation cover; no official report on solar energy, water treatment, or lightweight packaging initiatives

Travaglini is a traditional producer in the Gattinara DOCG with a reputation for thoughtful but conventional vineyard management. Winery uses predominantly manual labor for harvesting and tends toward limited intervention in the vineyard. However, there are no formal third-party sustainability certifications (organic, biodynamic, or industry-specific 'green' labels) for this bottling. Packaging is standard heavy glass, increasing shipping weight and carbon footprint, especially for exports outside Europe. Energy and water conservation practices are not explicitly documented. Overall, Travaglini Riserva shows awareness of environmental stewardship in viticultural decisions but is not a sustainability leader by international certification standards. The wine achieves a moderate score, reflecting traditional practices with room for improvement in certified sustainability and carbon reduction.