Paolo Scavino Langhe Nebbiolo, 2010

Any restaurant offering Langhe Nebbiolo as a wine by the glass has to rank high with me. And Restaurant Stella in Traverse City earns its high marks in many ways. Actually, at Stella you can order a number of high quality Italian wines by the glass, half liter or bottle. Donna and I ordered a half liter, about the equivalent of two glasses each for $30.

Deep, bright crimson. Has all the aromas you expect from a young Nebbiolo--dark cherries, licorice and a hint of roses. Very dry on the mid-palate--a common trait of many young Barolos and Barbarescos. Skin tannins are high but so are the bright fruit acids. Deep, concentrated flavors carry over into a long, fruit-oriented finish. My only complaint is that the wine was served about 5 to 10 degrees too warm for my taste.