Sgreben, 1973 Red Wine
Vinicola Sociale Aldeno
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price:
£79.00
Description
The 1973 Sgreben from Vinicola Sociale Aldeno is a remarkable relic from the Trentino region of northern Italy, offering a rare opportunity to taste a wine that has been patiently resting for over half a century. Vinicola Sociale Aldeno, a cooperative with deep local roots, has long been dedicated to producing wines that capture the Alpine freshness and terroir of the Adige Valley. The 1973 vintage, shaped by the cooler climate of the region, yielded wines with elegance, firm structure, and the potential for graceful ageing—qualities that this mature bottle now displays in abundance.
In the glass, the wine reveals a translucent brick-red core with amber and tawny edges, telling the story of its decades in bottle. The bouquet is highly evolved and layered, offering aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, and redcurrant alongside delicate hints of rose petal and alpine herbs. Secondary and tertiary notes of leather, antique wood, and soft spice weave through, with a subtle lift of menthol and balsamic providing freshness.
On the palate, the 1973 Sgreben is graceful and fully mature, with softened tannins that glide effortlessly across the tongue. The once-bright fruit has mellowed into dried and stewed notes, accompanied by savoury elements of forest floor, tobacco leaf, and roasted nuts. A fine, lingering acidity gives the wine a gentle lift, while the finish stretches long, leaving a warm, spicy echo that invites contemplation.
This is a wine to approach with care and respect—decant lightly to remove sediment but avoid excessive aeration to preserve its delicate aromatics. Best enjoyed in quiet company, it pairs beautifully with aged mountain cheeses, wild mushroom risotto, or slow-braised game. The 1973 Sgreben from Vinicola Sociale Aldeno is more than just a bottle—it is a liquid time capsule, offering a rare taste of Trentino’s winemaking heritage from a bygone era.
Condition
Good conditions