Wines Unspecified Malvirà - San Guglielmo - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Malvirà’s Cuvée San Guglielmo 2016 is a captivating red wine from the heart of Piemonte, Italy. Crafted by the renowned Malvirà estate, this cuvée is typically a proprietary blend, often including traditional Piemontese varietals such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Bonarda, though the exact composition may vary slightly with each vintage. The 2016 vintage in Piemonte was distinguished by a long and balanced growing season, yielding wines of poise and intensity. Vinification at Malvirà is carried out with meticulous attention to detail, with a focus on expressing the purity of fruit and the character of each vineyard parcel. Maturation often takes place in a mix of stainless steel and oak, lending the wine both freshness and subtle complexity.

The Piemonte region enjoys a temperate continental climate, characterised by cold winters, hot summers, and significant diurnal temperature variation. These climatic conditions favour slow, even ripening of the grapes, ensuring robust aromas and refined tannins. The soils here are predominantly limestone and clay, contributing to structure and vibrancy in the finished wines. Piemonte holds a revered place in Italian wine history, known both for its age-worthy reds and its gastronomic culture. Though this specific cuvée falls outside the major DOCG zones, it embodies the region’s commitment to quality and innovation, championed by estates like Malvirà.

For food pairings, San Guglielmo’s medium to full body and complex aromatic profile make it an excellent companion for traditional Piemontese fare. Braised veal shank (ossobuco), agnolotti del plin (stuffed pasta with meat), or tajarin with a rich ragù are superb choices. The wine also works beautifully with roasted game, aged cheeses like Castelmagno or Pecorino, and earthy mushroom dishes.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve at 16-18°C. Open the bottle an hour before drinking to allow the bouquet to unfurl, and consider decanting to help soften any youthful tannins, allowing the aromatic layers and elegant structure to reveal themselves fully.