2001 Batasiolo Barolo Vigneto Corda della Briccolina Piedmont Italy

2001 Batasiolo Barolo Vigneto Corda della Briccolina Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $95-$105
Importer / Distributor Boisset Family Estates

This wine is produced in limited quantities from a single vineyard of 4 acre called “Corda della Briccolina” planted in the village of Serralunga d’Alba, Piedmont. It was aged in small French oak barrels, making it the only Barolo Cru of Batasiolo aged in French oak. The steep south-facing terrain and a soil rich in limestone and calcium carbonate makes this area highly suited for producing well-structured, full-bodied and decidedly long lasting wines with intense color and persistence.

Although Batasiolo is, in my opinion, a slightly more modern style than some of the cult traditionalist out there, the resulting wine is quite exceptional with generous fruit. Moreover, the fantastic 2001 vintage makes it even more complex.

Made from 100% Nebbiolo in its subvarieties (clones like Michet and Lampia), the Corda Briccolina 2001 Barolo has an intense garnet red color of medium to good intensity. The nose exposes notes of ripe dark fruit, spice, cinnamon and earth intermingled with oak hints. The palate is rich, dense and well balanced yet young with dry tannins that needs a bit of time. The finish is lingering quite nicely with persistent fruit flavors, touch of oak and spice notes. Quite lovely. A keeper.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic and Organic wines (and food) from sustainable cultures and respect the environment!

2001 Batasiolo Barolo Cerequio Piedmont Italy

2001 Batasiolo Barolo Cerequio Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $80-$90
Importer / Distributor Boisset Family Estates

This excellent 2001 Barolo comes from a single-vineyard called “Cerequio” planted in La Morra, a little village next to Barolo, with an excellent ageing capacity. It is considered one of the most historical vineyards for the production of Barolo wine, which has also being called “The Petrus” of Piedmont. The wine was aged for 2 years in big Slovenian oak barrels and remained for a further 8-10 months in the bottle before release as a refinement period.

The resulting wine is superb, with an intense red garnet color. The nose exposes ethereal, rose petal and spice aromas with hints of tobacco, mint and chocolate. The palate is balanced, rich and elegant with rich plum flavors and a long silky finish. Pair it with roasted meat and aged cheeses.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

For more info visit the importer website at www.boissetfamilyestates.com

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic and Organic wine (and food) from sustainable cultures and respect the environment!

1996 Luigi Pira Barolo "Margheria" Piedmont Italy

1996 Luigi Pira Barolo "Margheria" Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $75-$80 (seen at $110)
Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines in NYC

Despite the fact that Robert Parker Jr. said: "One of Piedmont’s new superstars...", Luigi Pira is, for me, one of the great classic of Barolo's producers.Probably because it was established in the early 1950s, even if at first the estate only produced and sold grapes.

Therefore and although, they were not bottling their own wines, vinegrowing and winemaking were the two passion of this family own winery; which, somewhat, makes me feel that, even if fairly new as Barolo producer (since the early 90s), they produce complex, structured classic Barolos that have nothing in common with the jaminess of certain new Barolo's producers. But I need to admit, I'm in love with this winery and I really enjoyed most of their 2001s and 2004s Barolos, and found them more balanced and focus than other few New world oriented Barolo producers. (I'm looking forward to taste their 2007s).

However, let's get back to the winery. Later on, wine was produced at winery and then sold in bulk to local negociants. It is only since a few years ago that the estate started ageing and bottling its own wines.

Giampaolo Pira recently took the reins at his family’s eight-hectare estate, overseeing the cellars while brother Romolo and father Luigi maintain the vineyards.

Pira’s holdings are in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga commune: “Margheria,” “Marenca," and “Rionda.”

The first Barolo was produced only as recently as 1993, but since then, the family has racked up accolades and high scores from the worldwide press. Of the two Barolos that have been produced up until now, the “Margheria” (aged 30% in barrique) is more structured and full-bodied, while the “Marenca” (aged 50% in barrique) is beautifully sumptuous and rich at a young age but will develop over the next 10-15 years – it was called “flawless” by the Gambero Rosso.

Their opaque Dolcetto is one of the most intense and complex of all skurnik's Barolo-producing estates, featuring the telltale fine tannins of Serralunga and astonishing length, while their oak-aged Barbera is both fruity and powerful.

The 1996 Luigi Pira Barolo "Margheria" is a great classic of their debut. The robe of the wine is quite dark for its age and especially for a 96 vintage. It has some orange taint reflects in the rime, normal for this type of wine. The nose has great ripe red cherry and tertiary aromas, like forest floor, mushroom, black truffles, pencil shave, spice, earth and minerals. The palate follows with the same type of flavors. It is very focus, clean, with a vivid acidity and very good tannic structure. The oak tannins are very integrated and smooth. The finish is long, lush and bright in the same time with layers of earthy notes and mineral. Love it.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Step into the Green! Drink more Bio and Organic wines (and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment!

Most info taken from www.skurnikwines.com

Find more of my notes about wine, food and life in general at www.ledomduvin.com