Broglio Riserva Barolo 2015

The Barolo Broglio Riserva from the Schiavenza estate comes from vineyards located in the municipality of Serralunga d'Alba, in the heart of the historic Barolo region of Piedmont. The plots lie on hillsides with marl-limestone soils rich in clay and sand, typical of this eastern part of the appellation. Facing primarily south and southwest, they benefit from abundant sunshine and significant temperature variations, promoting a slow and complete ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes, while preserving the wine's acidity and aromatic finesse.

The Nebbiolo grapes destined for the Broglio Riserva Barolo are harvested by hand, then destemmed and crushed before undergoing traditional alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with extended maceration on the skins. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in tanks. The wine is subsequently aged for an extended period in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing for slow and harmonious maturation, before a further period of bottle rest at the estate prior to release.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe red fruits , and plum , enhanced by floral touches of dried rose and violet , as well as spicy nuances of licorice and pepper . Woody accents of tobacco and cedar , combined with a subtle minerality , complete the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, supported by lively acidity, firm yet refined tannins, and a long, lingering finish.

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!