“Larigi” Rosso Langhe DOC 2023

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

05252323 · 0,75 l · 100,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Limitation of 3 articles per customer

In the 1970s, Elio Altare travelled to Burgundy and returned a changed man. He had seen what short macerations and small oak barrels could do for Pinot Noir: wines of elegance and approachability that challenged the long, tannin-rich traditions of his homeland. He brought the idea to the Langhe. And because his father was unwilling to part with the large old wooden casks, Altare is said to have sawn them up himself to make room for the barriques. His father subsequently disinherited him. But Elio carried on.

The Larigi is at the heart of this story: 100% Barbera from vines planted in La Morra in 1948, on clay-sandy soils with a south-southeast aspect. The oldest plot, the most concentrated fruit, the fullest-bodied of the estate's three Langhe Rosso interpretations. 3 to 4 days' maceration in a rotary fermenter, 18 months in 100% new French barriques, no filtration. A maximum of 1,500 bottles per vintage. And for those wishing to explore the trilogy: Larigi is the generous, warm introduction. La Villa, the blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo, adds structure. Giarborina, made from 100% Nebbiolo, is the most complex of the three.

A deep, luminous purplish-red. On the nose: blackberry, plum jam, dark cherry, spices and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, it is warm, smooth and intense, with silky tannins, lively acidity and a long finish. A generous neighbour to Barolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Larigi is made from 100% Barbera and is a dark, powerfully extracted wine that pushes the boundaries of this grape variety – a hallmark of the estate's modern, concentration-focused style. With ripe fruit aromas of blackberry jam and baked plums, the wine captivates with a soft, fruity texture. The finish reveals notes of oaky spice and toasted flavours, as well as the freshness typical of the grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The Larigi 2023 is a very seductive wine. Smooth contours envelop a core of dark red cherry and plum flavours, spices, rose petals, mint and espresso. Hints of blood orange and pomegranate lend it a remarkable freshness. The 2023 is a medium-bodied Larigi. Its balance is exquisite." Vinous