2016 Mongrana

Readers can look forward to a positively stunning set of wines from Querciabella this year and in the near future. Winemaker Manfred Ing and his team continue to fine tune the approach here, but frankly, what comes through most is the tremendous passion behind everything at Querciabella. As for the wines themselves, the 2017s I have tasted so far are promising. It was not an easy year. Frost in May was especially damaging on the lower hillsides and wiped out as much as 60% of the crop in some spots. The 2016s benefit from a very even growing season. That effortless grace comes through in majestic, soaring wines that are likely to become benchmarks here. In 2015, canopy management and then gentle extractions in the winery were the key to getting most out of the fruit in a very warm vintage. Judging by the wines, it certainly looks like Ing and his team are making all the right moves.