The wines are all from the same producer in northern Italy called Rainoldi.   Aldo Rainoldi the winemaker is in his 30s and is the 3rd generation at this family firm.  The wines are from an area called the Valtellina in the far north of Lombardia, right on the border with Switzerland.   All of the wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape, which most people will know as the grape used in Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most prized and expensive wines, which are made far to the southwest in the region of Piemonte.   Whereas the hills of Barolo and Barbaresco are more gentle and rolling, the vineyards of the Valtellina are very steep, with rock-wall terraces built dramatically up the face of the mountains.  Nebbiolo from the Valtellina tends to be a little higher-toned than that of Piemonte.  The classic aromas of Nebbiolo are of roses and violets, and the fruit tends to be bright and cherry-toned.  Nebbiolo can also have a bit of tar and leather depending o

n its age, and is generally pale red to bright red in tone.  Dark purple\black is NOT the color of Nebbiolo!   Also of note is that the grape has a local name used only in the Valtellina, "Chiavennasca", which refers to their local clone of Nebbiolo.

This case includes four bottles each of three wines:

2007 Rainoldi Nebbiolo IGT is a young wine made to show off the fresh cherry fruit and pretty aromas of the grape.   This is a rare glimpse of 'baby' Nebbiolo with no wood aging.

2005 Rainoldi 'Prugnolo' is a Valtellina Superiore which means it's from the better vineyard sites, and you will notice the influence of some aging in wood.

2004 Rainoldi Sassella Riserva comes from one of the best vineyards (Sassella derives its name from the very rocky soil- 'sasso' meaning stone in Italian) and is only made in good years.  This is one of his best wines.

All of these wines will of course go very well with Italian cheeses and salumi.   Valtellina is the home of Bresaola (made from air-dried beef) so make sure you try that with the wines.  Also most typical fall fare such as roasts, richer poultry dishes, mushroom dishes,  pastas like pumpkin ravioli with sage or a simple Bolognese will all pair very well with these wines.  

Rainoldi has a great website where you can see shots of this beautiful, dramatic landscape at rainoldi.com