Vineyard and winemaking
La Regina is made from 100% Nascetta at Tenuta Serra dei Fiori in the rugged hills of Trezzo Tinella. Sandy soils rich in ancient marine deposits, together with the site's altitude, allow this semi-aromatic Langhe variety to combine citrus and floral fragrance with a strong mineral line.
The fruit is vinified in stainless steel without oak, retaining the grape's clarity and fresh herbal character. Nascetta is also capable of rewarding bottle age; the 2018 has moved beyond primary fruit towards flint, dried herbs and savoury depth while keeping its natural acidity.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright lemon-gold, with clear depth of colour from bottle development.
Nose
Grapefruit, pear and baked apple sit beside acacia, hay and fresh herbs, followed by a distinctive flinty, lightly waxy note.
Palate
Textured and dry, opening with mature citrus and orchard fruit before turning saline and mineral. Fresh acidity gives the wine direction, while notes of straw, preserved lemon and stone linger on a savoury finish.
Food pairing
Serve with roast monkfish, chicken and leek pie, crab gratin, or grilled courgettes with whipped goat's cheese. Around 10–11°C is ideal: too cold and the wine's evolved mineral and herbal detail will be muted.
Background story
La Regina celebrates the recovery of Nascetta, an old native variety once close to disappearing from commercial view. It also reflects the partnership between the Bologna family and the Giacosa brothers at Serra dei Fiori, where Braida began backing this little-known grape in the 1990s.
Calling the wine “The Queen” gives Nascetta the prominence the family believes it deserves. Sommelier's Choice has worked with Braida for more than twenty years, and this mature 2018 shows why that relationship embraces the estate's exploratory whites as well as its famous Barberas.
