# Illegale Tenuta Santa Caterina Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore (2021)

- **Producer:** Tenuta Santa Caterina
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, rose, violet, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, earth, leather, dried fruit, tobacco

## About this wine

Illegale Tenuta Santa Caterina Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore 2021 is a red wine from the Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy, produced by Tenuta Santa Caterina under the Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore DOC appellation. The wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Tenuta Santa Caterina, with a history dating back to 1737, was revitalized by the Alleva Family who are committed to eco-sustainable farming and reviving native grape varieties. This wine is distinctive as it highlights Nebbiolo from Monferrato, a region traditionally more known for Barbera, and reflects the estate's philosophy of meticulous winemaking from vineyard to bottle.

## Interesting facts

- Estate dates back to 1737.
- Revitalized by the Alleva Family in the 2000s.
- Focus on eco-sustainable and symbiotic agriculture.
- Revives native Monferrato grape varieties.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of braised meats and game, while its acidity can cut through fatty components. Earthy notes often found in Nebbiolo can harmonize with mushrooms and truffles, and the wine's structure stands up to aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Illegale Tenuta Santa Caterina Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore 2021 is produced using 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The winemaking process involves fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a minimum of 18 months of aging, which includes at least six months in wood (barrels), followed by further aging in bottle. The Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore DOC regulations stipulate a maximum yield of 8,000 kg per hectare for Nebbiolo Superiore.