In 1900 a Frenchman named Pierre Tintero set out for Piedmont in search of a job opportunity. He found a place to do odd jobs at a small estate where widow; Rosina Cortese was struggling to handle the work herself. Pierre, who was named “Pietrin” by the locals, quickly became a vital part of the estate and also fell in love with the widow, whom he married two years later. The couple continued to work the vines together and ended up bottling their own Dolcetto just as war fell in 1914. Pietrin and Rosina’s two sons, Giovanni and Carlo, ended up taking over the estate and expanded it by purchasing adjacent vineyard plots. The estate has now been taken over by younger family members, who will continue the legacy.

The 2019 Elvio Tintero Nebbiolo is deliciously attractive in colour, gorgeously fragrant and fresh, tannins up-front but very manageable, red berry fruit all the way to the end. This is Langhe Nebbiolo at its best. Moreish!