Barolo Ornato 2021

This Barolo DOCG comes from Nebbiolo micro-plots in the Ornato cru, in Serralunga d'Alba, in the heart of Italian Piedmont. The first vineyard acquired by the Pio family in the Barolo area, this vast amphitheatre, close to 400 metres above sea level and fully exposed to the sun, lies on compact clay-limestone marl. This warm, dry terroir yields a powerful, deep Barolo built for ageing.

Fermentation and a long skin maceration take place in stainless-steel tanks. The wine is then aged for about 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak foudres, with a small proportion spending a limited time in French barrels. A long rest in bottle precedes its release to soften its youthfulness.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry, plum, black cherry, crushed raspberry, violet, liquorice, star anise, juniper berries, tobacco, incense, graphite and scorched earth. The broad, concentrated palate rests on a dense body, firm and finely drawn tannins, and fresh acidity that lengthens the finish. Long, flavourful and earthy, it retains remarkable tension.

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!