The Pelissero winery is located in Treiso, Piedmont, which lies within the Barbaresco winemaking zone. Traditionally, Nebbiolo in the area would be bottled as Barbaresco, and Barbera would be bottled separately. However, their wine labeled Long Now is an unusual equal blend of both varietals.
The wine is named after the Long Now Foundation, an organization established "to creatively foster long-term thinking and responsibility in the framework of the next 10,000 years...to provide a counterpoint to today's accelerating culture." (longnow.org) People from music and the arts as well as science and technology banded together to form this group and a painting of their experimental Millennial Clock is featured on the label.
The concept of time in relation to wine is something that intrigued the Pelisseros. A well-made wine can age for years and how it tastes through those years is always changing. Long Now is a modern blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera with the beneficial characteristics of each varietal helping to create a wine to age: Nebbiolo providing strength of tannins and Barbera acidity.
This blend also provides a wonderful array of aromas and flavors. Eucalyptus and wild raspberry patch eventually give way to hints of licorice and dark fudge. On the palate cherry and blackberry evolve into plum, followed by a sensation of lavender, violets and cocoa powder on the finish.
2006 Pelissero Long Now is a wonderful wine to enjoy now and for years to come. We still have a bit available and for $28.99, I highly suggest you purchasing some and enjoy following its progression over time.