Barolo Via Nuova

Vineyard and terroir

Via Nuova was originally the name of a small vineyard beside the village of Barolo. Its name referred to the road—new in the previous century—that connected Barolo with Novello; only a footpath through the vineyards remains today. The site was once vinified separately. When Barolo’s Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive were reorganized and entered into force in 2010, the former Via Nuova cru was incorporated into the larger Terlo area.

The wine subsequently became a traditional multi-site Barolo assembled from six vineyards in three communes: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba, and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba.

The 2010 technical sheet records 2.50 ha of cadastral vineyard area, an average elevation of 340 m, and south, southeast and southwest exposures. The soils are calcareous-clay and calcareous-silty marls with veins of sand and sandstone, formed during the Miocene epoch of the Tertiary period.

Grapes

Nebbiolo, represented by the Michet and Lampia subvarieties, in a traditional multi-vineyard blend.

Vinification

For the 2010 vintage, vineyard operations included short winter pruning, tying, spring shoot thinning, and crop reduction by removing surplus bunches after fruit set. Selection and sorting at harvest were strict, and all these operations were carried out manually.

Alcoholic fermentation took place with a floating cap in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Pump-overs and punch-downs were performed frequently.

Ageing

The wine matures for approximately two years in both French-oak casks and barriques, followed by about one year of bottle ageing. For the 2010 vintage, the oak was very lightly toasted and 30% new. The 2010 was bottled on 18 September 2013.

Technical data

The 2010 vintage contains 14.51% alcohol by volume, with total acidity of 6.08 g/L, pH 3.67, dry extract of 29.80 g/L and total sulfur dioxide of 60 mg/L. Production comprised 7,700 bottles of 750 mL and 70 magnums of 1.5 L.

Tasting profile

Bright, clear garnet red. The persistent, ethereal aroma combines floral and fruit notes. The palate is dry, savory and harmonious: supple yet austere, full-bodied and persistent, with tannin extending the finish.

Serving and pairing

Pair with furred or feathered game, braised meats, medium- to long-aged cheeses, and other red-meat dishes.

Vintage notes

The 2010 growing season began with an unusually long winter that delayed budbreak and the subsequent stages of vine development. Abundant rain increased fungal-disease pressure and further slowed ripening. Continuous monitoring, timely vineyard work and crop thinning helped the fruit reach the desired condition.

January was cold and grey, generally remaining below freezing. Temperatures fell to −14°C during early February, while late February brought frequent rain and peaks around 15°C. March was warmer and sunny; April was mild, unusually dry and occasionally reached 28°C. Temperatures dropped and rain was frequent during the first half of May, followed by warmth approaching 30°C and further heavy rain late in the month. June remained unsettled and wet before temperatures exceeded 34°C at the end of the month. July was consistently hot until cool northwesterly winds arrived on the 24th. August alternated between warm and cool periods with frequent rain. September began with summer-like conditions, followed by temperatures as low as 4.5°C and late-month rain, although 23–24 September were hot and dry. Early October was warm and nearly summery. Harvest began on 8 October, with the fruit judged to be in excellent condition.

Label / history

The name preserves the memory of the former Via Nuova vineyard and the old “new road” between Barolo and Novello. After the vineyard became part of the Terlo MGA, the name was retained for a Barolo conceived as a traditional assemblage of sites across Barolo, Monforte d’Alba and Serralunga d’Alba.