2016 Muraje Sumié (Carema)

 

Muraje is a relatively new Producer that came to my attention thanks to @"Werner Van Damme".

Deceptively delicate in body yet gains presence over the course of several hours in a decanter,  blossoming with elegant spice and sour cherry character. Nice floral nose. Tar-influenced Nebbiolo typicity that is usually evident in Carema reds seems to be missing. It may develop the tarry character over time, but as of now it's like a purebred Beagle that has a muted voice.

 Overall, this is a mighty fine effort. Perhaps best described as a gorgeous Burgundian styled wine with lots of complexity even at this early stage. The bottle disappears quickly. It is eminently drinkable.

Producer notes:

"....Sumié is the local name of the main wooden pole of the pergola-topia structure.

This 90% Nebbiolo from Carema is not labelled as a Carema because it was vinified in Boca in the legendary cellars of Le Piane.  Subsequent vintages will be labelled as Carema as Muraje now have a full functional cellar as of 2017 in Carema.

The 2016 is back vintage 90% Nebbiolo (10% from Neyret, Pugnet and Ner d'Ala) grown topia style in Carema.  It's made from a local clone of Nebbiolo known as picotener or picotendro.  This clone is known its elegant fine tannins and is highly aromatic...."

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Day 2 impressions...

Fleshed out nicely while retaining its delicate character.... somewhat reminiscent of a Cogno Barolo Vigna Elena with its unique flavor profile based on the Nebbiolo Rose varietal (sans the dusty tannins). Very nice acidity with faint elements of tar and roses showing up, signaling its Carema heritage.

A premium cuvee in style and price meant to compete with Ferrando Nebbiolo di Carema. Muraje is the elegant cuvee with gossamer attributes while the Ferrando is a bigger style that demands cellaring.