Barolo “Arborina” DOCG 2021

Elio Altare | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Elio Altare | Cascina Nuova 51 | IT 12064 La Morra

05252921 · 0,75 l · 137,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

In the summer of 1983, Elio Altare picked up a chainsaw and sawed up his father's old Slavonian barrels. An act of rebellion, a break with tradition – and the start of a revolution in Barolo. His father disinherited him as a result, but Elio remained true to his path: Burgundian vinification, French barriques, shorter maceration and ageing times. The Langhe traditionalists were horrified. But the wines? They sold immediately. Today, Elio Altare is considered one of the "Barolo Boys", a pioneer of the modern Barolo style – and the Arborina is his flagship.

The vineyards are located directly in front of the cantina in Annunziata, La Morra, facing south and south-east. Two plots: one planted in 1948 by grandfather Giovanni, the other in 1989 by Elio himself. Marna rock with clay and sand – a soil that gives structure and elegance at the same time. Four to five days of maceration in rotary fermenters at a controlled temperature, followed by 24 months of ageing in French barriques (30% new). The result? A Barolo of intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections, fresh on the nose with rose petals, flowers and ethereal notes – light, sweet, almost floating. Warm and elegant on the palate, with gentle but intense tannins that never dry out. Cherry, black plum, cassis, liquorice, cinnamon. A wine of total harmony. Only 4,000 to 5,000 bottles are produced annually – a privilege for a few. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour. Open and inviting on the nose, with an initial scent of earthy notes, black truffle, then roses and raspberry, memorable. Polished and straightforward on the palate, opens up continuously, present fruit, fine melting, precise and long final, firm pressure." Falstaff

"The Barolo Arborina 2021 shows sweet spices and cinnamon from 24 months in barrique. This lends a beautiful contour to the expertly matured fruit with plenty of cherry, black plum and cassis. These fruity notes complement other flavours of spice, liquorice and tar. Arborina always shows a classic side of Nebbiolo, not too strong and not too lean. It comes from the Altare family's historic vineyard in front of the winery in La Morra." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Barolo Arborina is one of the most elegant wines to be found in this vineyard, a vineyard where the tannins tend to be a bit pungent in their linearity. Instead, the 2021 is a wine of total harmony. Orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, new leather and rose petals develop over time. This is a beautiful, complete Barolo." Vinous

"A lean, taut style with flavours of cherries, strawberries, blackberries, iron and tobacco. It's taut, but the tannins are refined and well integrated into the overall profile. Offers a fine, delicious length." Wine Spectator