ELVIO TINTERA LANGHE NEBBIOLO KERMIT LYNCH

Certainly in the running for the "coolest" red grape on the planet, Nebbiolo continues to intrigue and captivate. The force behind the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, these precious red berries from northwestern Italy have an inherent and identifiable character. The challenge for wine lovers around the globe is to sate their Nebbiolo thirst without taking out a second mortgage. Enter Elvio Tintero. One of the few Italian staples in wine importer Kermit Lynch's portfolio, Tintero somehow captures the grit and grace of the variety at a throwback price. Dehydrated blueberry and tangy cherry flavors are seared by herbal cut and singed by perky acidity. Dense fruit pushes through supporting tannins giving the wine a sinewy, muscular feel.