Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit is selected from estate vineyards in the communes of Serralunga d’Alba and Barolo. These mid- and upper-hillside sites lie at 300–400 m a.s.l. and face south, south-west and west. Their Miocene Helvetian- and Tortonian-origin soils are rich in clay and calcareous marl. Average production is 45 hl/ha.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo. Following an old estate tradition, the Riserva is assembled from wines grown in several estate vineyards; the sites selected can change with the character of the vintage.
Vinification
Traditional fermentation takes place in stainless-steel vats for 12–15 days at controlled temperature. The wine then remains on the skins under a submerged cap for another 30–40 days to extend polyphenol extraction. The component wines are blended as soon as malolactic fermentation is complete. Long maceration and the limited number of rackings during maturation encourage tertiary aromas to emerge before bottling.
Ageing
The wine spends three years in medium and large oak casks ranging from 2,000 to 14,000 litres. It then matures for a further two years, first in concrete vats and subsequently in bottle, completing five years of ageing before release.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14% vol. Available format: 0.75 L.
Tasting profile
Good-intensity garnet red. The bouquet recalls wormwood, cocoa and mint alongside black cherry, leather and dried mushrooms. Full polyphenolic ripeness enables the extraction of plentiful sweet tannins, which form a dense, silky weave after maturation. The palate is substantial, opening sweetly and smoothly before a long, warm and enveloping finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18°C. Pair with substantial red-meat dishes and medium- or long-matured cheeses, or enjoy after dinner.
