Barolo Pio 2021

Made from a selection of Nebbiolo from the family vineyards spread across nine sub-zones of the Barolo DOCG appellation, this wine expresses the diversity of Piedmont's terroirs. The plots are located notably in Serralunga d'Alba, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, La Morra and Grinzane Cavour, with complementary marls, exposures and altitudes.

The grapes are vinified in stainless-steel tanks, with fermentation and a long skin maceration. The lots from the different plots are then blended and aged for about 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak foudres, complemented, for a small proportion and for limited periods, by French barrels. A long rest in bottle finally refines the whole.

This wine reveals notes of fresh cherry, raspberry, dried cherry, rose, iris, liquorice, clove, dried thyme, black truffle, cedar, graphite and iron. The broad, energetic palate combines a tight yet polished texture with balanced acidity and firm, complex, elegant tannins. The mineral, flavourful finish stretches out with great persistence.

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!