Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — 2 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.0

N: diesel, Honey, white flowers, white pears,
P: Comes in with acidity, leaves an oily viscosity, more peaches, ash, herbal quality.
Very mineral. — 4 years ago

Milo Patter

9.4

2020 vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon — 4 years ago

Kate Rawlins

9.1

Cork of the north. — 7 months ago

David Wasserman

9.0

Sweet smooth fruit yum — a year ago

with Katie

Mark Rosse

9.4

Took 2 hours to open up completely. Umami and tar. Lovely showing! — 3 years ago

Mark Simmons

9.2

Absolutely wonderful find. Mild grapefruit primary, light floral and limestone seconds. Loved it! — 4 years ago

Amy

9.0

dfp, ~$35
love this, would buy again- lots of flavor for a light body. minerality, salinity, light effervescence, great mouth feel — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

From 375ml. Each time I asked the Somm for the blend he added another grape. Suffice to say it was a blend of Riesling, Pinot Bianco, Friuli and Tokaji as far as I could tell. On the nose Georgie thought rose water. Add red and white florals. The medium bodied palate had notes of pear and kiwi fruit and was absolutely delicious. We all wished we’d ordered a 750 ml bottle. — 2 years ago

with Georgina

Sheena Kwon

9.6

What I had was the moscato d’asti by this brand. The moscato was one of the best I had — 4 years ago