Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Castelletto is an extensive area running between Monforte d'Alba and the hamlet of Perno, close to the border with Serralunga d'Alba. Mauro Veglio cultivates approximately four hectares here, all with south-eastern exposure. The vineyards entered the Veglio family through Daniela’s marriage to Mauro.
The vines were planted in the late 1970s and in 1994 and are trained using the Guyot system. More calcareous soils and a well-ventilated microclimate shape a particularly fresh, tannic expression of Barolo, with balsamic nuances of eucalyptus, mint and liquorice.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The wine remains on its skins in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks for 20–25 days. Vinification begins with 48 hours of cold maceration at 10°C. Extraction is deliberately gentle, limited to approximately two pump-overs per day. After draining, malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel.
Ageing
Around December, the wine is transferred to small oak barrels for 24 months. Thirty percent of the barrels are new and 70% are used. The finished wine is decanted in stainless steel, then bottled without fining or filtration.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The bouquet is intense and smooth, combining red fruit with delicate rose-petal aromas and understated notes of underbrush, mint and liquorice. The palate is vigorous, full-bodied and balanced, with persistent tannins that remain supple rather than drying. Juicy fruit carries through to a finish recalling blackberry and blueberry preserves.
Serving and ageing
Serve at 16–18°C. Its initial freshness can be followed by allowing the wine to warm gradually in the glass, revealing the evolution of its aromas. It is released with the capacity to develop in bottle for many years, although it is already approachable. Magnum format is also available.
Label / history
The 1996 vintage was the first to carry the Castelletto designation on the label. Mauro Veglio introduced it before Castelletto received official recognition as a Geographical Mention of Barolo.
