The grapes grow in vineyards whose soils are particularly rich in clay and limestone and appear as white soil. These soil types are very firm and prevent rain from permeating the ground, leading vines to grow very deep roots to search for water. This produces particularly sparse bunches, with small berries, that give plenty of nutrient minerals, trace elements and tannins to the wines, resulting in tremendous aging potential.
Grape Varietals:
100% Nebbiolo
Organoleptic Characteristics:
The color is a deep garnet red, gradually filled with orange hues with aging. The aroma is intense, with clear scents of violet, rose and spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) that with aging develop into tobacco, leather and truffle. The taste is elegant, dry, robust but velvety, harmonious, enveloping, with plenty of tannins that are well-expressed but soft and pleasant.
Food Pairings:
It goes well with egg pastas, tajarin and ravioli with hearty sauces such as game meat sauce and truffles; with roasted or braised red meats and game. It is magnificent for sipping alongside sheep and goat cheeses or hard ripened cheeses. It makes for a curious pairing with dry sweets at the end of the meal. If long-aged, it becomes a meditation wine.
94 Points - James Suckling, "Plenty of ripe-fruit character, such as plums, chocolate and hazelnuts. Flowers, too. Full body. Round and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows focus and intensity. Drink or hold."
92 Points - Wine Spectator, "Balsamic aromas of juniper, rosemary and pine mesh nicely with the cherry, plum and raspberry fruit in this expressive yet solidly structured red. Chalky tannins play out on the finish, along with mineral and ripe fruit accents. Best from 2021 through 2040. 583 cases made, 75 cases imported."
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "The 2011 Barolo Riserva is a dark and tarry expression of Nebbiolo that shows much of the depth and sophistication that you can expect of this grape as it evolves over time. The 2011 vintage was a hot one, and the primary fruit has faded in this seven-year-old wine. Dried berry, rose petal and chopped mint leaves appear on the close. The mouthfeel offers loose texture and mild intensity. Some 7,000 bottles were made."
