Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2021

Nestled in the heart of the Langhe region, the vineyards for this cuvée come primarily from the slopes of Serralunga d'Alba, one of the most renowned villages in the Barolo appellation area of ​​Piedmont. The plots, planted on marl-limestone soils rich in clay and sand, benefit from varied exposures that promote a slow and complete ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes. The Schiavenza estate cultivates these vines according to local tradition, with moderate yields and meticulous work, in order to express the depth and structure typical of this highly regarded terroir.

The grapes are hand-harvested on the slopes of Serralunga d'Alba, then destemmed and crushed before undergoing traditional alcoholic fermentation in vats, with extended maceration on the skins to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then occurs naturally. The wine is subsequently aged for a long time in large Slavonian oak casks, then refined in the bottle before release, respecting the classic and austere style characteristic of the Serralunga terroir.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe red fruits , and plum , complemented by floral touches of dried rose and violet , as well as spicy nuances of pepper and licorice , supported by discreet oak with hints of tobacco and cedar . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, driven by lively acidity, firm yet refined tannins, and a long, lingering finish that highlights the deep and elegant character of Nebbiolo.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!