Barolo Serra DOCG 2021 · 6 bottles in OWC

Giovanni Rosso | Piedmont
Azienda Agricola Giovanni Rosso | Via Roddino 10/1 | IT 12050 Serralunga d’Alba

05503021 · 4,5 l · 107,56 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

Serra is an often misunderstood location. Small, little known, sometimes underestimated by connoisseurs – because it has neither the full southern sun of a Cerretta nor the dramatic hillside location of a Vigna Rionda. Anyone who hears the MGA Serra in Serralunga for the first time thinks: quite nice. Anyone drinking the wine for the first time will think: wait a minute. The Rosso family's parcel is located around one kilometre south of the village centre, in the upper municipal area of Serralunga, with an eastern to south-eastern exposure. No midday light to overwhelm the grapes – instead, cool mornings, slow ripening, a precision in the tannin that only this orientation can produce. Davide Rosso describes it himself: The eastern exposure intensifies the fresh, austere character of these wines. And rightly so. Those who reduce Barolo to power and flavour will have no use for Serra. Those who reduce Barolo to origin and attitude will never forget it.

The family has owned this vineyard since 1946, planted in three phases – 1984, 1996, 2003 – with Guyot training on the calcareous clay soils of Serralunga. Hand-picked in mid-October, 25 days of spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks, daily pumping over with délestage at half-time. Matured in 25 and 50 hectolitre Fontainebleau oak barrels for 18 to 36 months, depending on the vintage. Bottled without filtration. Just 5,800 bottles are produced.

The 2021 shows Serra in one of its most accessible vintages – and yet unmistakably itself: clear, bright ruby red with garnet nuances. The nose is lively, powerful and clear – violets, macerated roses, wild berries, coffee, liquorice, mint and a balsamic note that only unfolds with air. Precise and racy on the palate, with dense but never coarse tannins, salty minerality and a final that lingers long and savoury. Serra does not need a big stage. It is enough for him to be right in the end. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Very memorable nose with intense notes of roses, wild raspberries and cloves, some fresh leather in the background. Balanced and compact in attack and finish, grippy, very well-integrated tannins form the backbone, juicy fruit, long final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Barolo Serra is soft, supple and inviting, with a lovely suppleness on the palate and soft contours. Crushed flowers, rose petals, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and mint are beautifully highlighted in this flavoursome, approachable Barolo from Davide Rosso." Vinous

"Generously interwoven with juicy cherry, strawberry, rosehip and tea flavours, this red wine is supported by a dense tannin matrix. Remains balanced despite a crisp, compact feel on the earthy finish today." Wine Spectator

"A restrained wine with subtle, austere aromas of violets, dark cherries, liquorice and a hint of rhubarb. Slightly sweet on the palate, with medium to full body, crisp acidity and lively, firm, dusty tannins. Edgy and austere, but with a good finish. Try after 2028." James Suckling