Questo vino

Vineyard and terroir

Castellero is a 0.6920 ha south-facing vineyard in the town of Barolo at 300 m. Its sandy-loam soil contains 40% sand, 33% silt and 27% clay. The underlying Diano Sandstone originated from underwater turbidity currents and is sandier than Cannubi. It produces a structured wine that can appear unbalanced when young.

The vineyard was planted in 1970 at 3,700 vines per hectare, with 1 × 2.7 m spacing. It has a vertical canopy, traditional Guyot pruning and K5BB rootstock. Yield is approximately 6,000–7,000 kg/ha.

Grapes

100% Nebbiolo, represented by the Lampia sub-variety.

Vinification

Castellero is vinified separately only in good-quality vintages, using a restrained approach intended to preserve the character of the fruit. In less favourable years, its Nebbiolo may be combined with fruit from Cannubi and Sarmassa to make Barolo without a vineyard designation.

Technical data

The published alcohol for the 2022 vintage is 15%.

Tasting profile

The 2022 is polished, fragrant and ethereally elegant, with lavender, wild berries, eucalyptus and spice. Tart red cherry, spiced cranberry, teaberry and baking spice lead into an orange-zest finish. Fine-grained tannins provide gentle support, and fresh acidity maintains brightness.

The 2021 combines wild rose, camphor, cedar and dark spice with red cherry, liquorice, white pepper and black tea. It is vibrant and elegantly structured, with firm acidity and a tannic backbone.

Serving and pairing

Young Barolo may be served at 16–18°C in a large glass directly from the bottle. For a wine over 15 years old, open the bottle, pour a small taste and allow the remaining wine to rest in the bottle for two to three hours. For a wine over 20 years old, use a candle while decanting to leave sediment behind and complete the operation at least 15 minutes before service.

Pair with red meats, game and strong cheeses. Grilled pigeon is a published pairing for the 2021 vintage. During a meal, younger, less austere Barolo may precede older, fuller examples.

Vintage notes

The wine is best left for at least six years after harvest, particularly in exceptional vintages. The 2022 received 92 points from Kerin O’Keefe and has a published drinking window of 2027–2034. The 2021 received 95 points from Kerin O’Keefe, 93 points from Guida Vitae – AIS and 5/5 Foglie from Guida Vini BIO.