Barolo DOCG 2021

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

05252821 · 0,75 l · 92,00 €/lavailable immediately

When Elio Altare returned from Burgundy in the 1970s, he brought with him a conviction that nobody in Piedmont shared at the time: that Nebbiolo need not achieve greatness through age and ‘tannic mass’, but rather through elegance and precision. He shortened the maceration periods, introduced used barriques and pursued the ideal of a Barolo that is accessible without losing its soul. His dispute with his father over this has become legendary. That conviction has endured. Altareentry-level Barolo is the most complete expression of this conviction: no single cru, no selection from a single vineyard, but a blend from the appellation’s four major municipalities. La Morra brings aromatics and silkiness. Castiglione Falletto brings body. Serralunga d’Alba brings mineral rigour. The municipality of Barolo itself brings balance. 10,000 bottles from vines aged between 20 and 30 years, predominantly facing south to south-east.

In the Langhe, 2021 was a vintage of inner tension: cool nights, precise ripening, excellent natural acidity. Parker described it as one of the most classic and intellectual Barolo vintages in a long time. Not a vintage of opulence, but one of freshness and clarity. 4 to 5 days in rotary fermenters, 24 months in used French barriques. A luminous ruby red with garnet highlights. The bouquet is elegant and refined: red fruit, roses, violets, a hint of spices. Warm and exceptionally elegant on the palate, with subtle, silky tannins and a long final characterised by a distinct violet note. The ideal that Altare brought with him from Burgundy. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has subtle aromas of red berries, a hint of dark chocolate and rosemary. Its body on the mid-palate gives it a certain depth, whilst the oak ageing and fine-grained tannins lend it a tactile texture. A charming hint of dark raspberry floods the finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Barolo is a juicy, open wine that is ready to drink upon release, but also has the potential to age well for several years. Aromas of crushed flowers, sweet red fruits, new leather, spices and cedar wood unfold as this racy, juicy Barolo reveals its considerable charms. This is a wine of class that beautifully showcases the vintage’s sophistication." Vinous

"The Elio Altare 2021 Barolo offers a classic interpretation of the grape variety in the estate’s signature style, which emphasises extraction, intensity and sweet fruitiness. You get all of that here, presented exceptionally well in this epic vintage." Wine Advocate

"It displays depth and richness, with a tactile texture that envelops the flavours of black cherry, earth, tar and minerals. The finish becomes more taut whilst remaining well-balanced. Be patient." Wine Spectator