Barolo Bricco Delle Viole 2016

The 460 Casina Bric estate, meaning "hilltop farm" in the local dialect, is the highest property in the village of Barolo. In this unique microcosm located at an average altitude of 460 meters , in the middle of a succession of green hills framed by the Alps mountain range, the Nebbiolo grape variety expresses the best of itself. The altitude provides a cool and ventilated climate conducive to the development of expansive and intense aromas. This is where Gianluca Viberti showcases his talent by enhancing this unique grape variety, the unique source of Barolo wines.

All the grapes are picked by hand in small 20kg crates so as not to damage the fruit. The vines come from the highest altitude plot of the estate. Traditional vinification lasts between 30 and 40 days in concrete vats and tuns without the slightest addition of chemical yeast. Then, an additional maceration of 15 days will take place in order to extract more aromatic compounds and tannins. This wine then undergoes a colossal aging of 24 months in vats and oak barrels. Once the assembly of the different containers is complete, the wine will go for 6 to 12 months in concrete vats to finally mature in the bottle for an additional 6 to 12 months before its release. This cuvée develops aromas of mocha , raisins , prunes, cherries , blackberries , toast , dried figs , tar , tobacco , dried violet and balsamic notes. The palate is of great complexity offset by a beautiful acidity and fine, almost grainy tannins which give it a full and persistent finish. A long-lasting wine that will become more complex over the years.

The little history of the country Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!