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 colour 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.
93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "This edition of 8,000 bottles is part of the estate's late-release program that lets us dig back into the Marchesi di Barolo historic cellars. From a hot summer that saw ruthless, dry heat and strong winds from Africa carrying the red sands of the Maghreb, the 2012 Barolo Riserva has evolved into a very nice wine indeed, with licorice, dried currant, dried mint and iron ore. This is a terrific step back in time. It ends a bit heavy, but it has aged quite gracefully, so enjoy it now."
93 Points - Wine Spectator, "Maturing nicely, this red's plum, cherry, eucalyptus and iron aromas and flavors are coming to the fore. There are still dense, dusty tannins, yet even these have mellowed, making for a more harmonious experience. Excellent length. Drink now through 2040. 583 cases made, 75 cases imported."
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast, "This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, eucalyptus and a whiff of cedar. The savory, balanced palate offers dried black cherry, clove and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. Drink 2021–2030."
92 Points - James Suckling, "A tight and focused red with aromas and flavors of strawberries, hazelnuts and almonds. Medium body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish."
