1761 Bartolomeo Borgogno establishes the winery

Nebbiolo (Italian), or Nebieul (Piedmontese dialect) is a red Italian wine grape variety predominantly associated with the Piedmont region where, vinified mainly 100% pure, it makes the two important and well-known DOCG wiens Barolo e Barbaresco. Nebbiolo is thought to derive its name from the Italian word nebbia which means “fog”. During harvest, which generally takes place late in October, a deep, intense fog sets into this region where many Nebbiolo vineyards are located. Alternative explanations refers to the fog-like milky veil that forms over the berries as they reach maturity or that perhaps the name is derived instead from the Italian word nobile, meaning noble.

About the wine

Growing Location: Barolo – M.G.A.: Cannubi, Liste, Fossati. Vineyard Position: South/ South – East; 290-370 mt. a.s.l. Soil: Calcareous and clay marl. Wine training system: Archetto variation of Guyot system. Planting density: 4.000 plants/ha. Grape harvest: Second decade of October.

Winemaking

2018. 2018 in Langa opens with a long and rainy winter. It was good, because the water supply of the soil was thus re-established, after a 2017 characterized by high temperatures and low amounts of rain. Winter season lasted until the beginning of March with temperatures lower than in recent years, leading to a slow and gradual vegetative restart of the vine, slightly postponed, which was completed at the end of the same month. The bud burst was uniform, a great start for this vintage. As Spring continues, we see frequent rainfall and low temperatures, thus denying the parameters of a classic vintage and extreme elegance. 2018. No lack of water in this 2018: between the end of May and the beginning of the following month there are abundant storms with rainfall. Important months from the point of view of vineyard management; thanks to careful work among the rows and constant attention to our vines, this has given us great satisfaction. Flowering and subsequent fruit setting took place regularly. In the warmer months there was a recovery that took place in an optimal way: a gradual development, with more stable temperatures and weather. A positive evolution also in September, and we arrive in October where the conditions are perfect: we are ready to harvest. A month characterized by a favorable climatic trend means that our expectations are confirmed: a classic vintage, with a slightly lower quantity, but a lot, a lot of quality.

After a meticulous selection of the best grapes from Fossati, Cannubi, and Liste, the bunches are destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation takes place in large concrete vats at temperatures between 22 and 28 °C for about 15 days. This is followed by a 40-day submerged cap maceration, during which malolactic fermentation also occurs. In Spring, as temperatures rise, the wine is transferred into large Slavonian oak casks, where it matures for 6 years. It then undergoes further aging in concrete before bottling. Riserva is born from the selection of the best vineyard results across our three M.G.A. sites, allowing for a perfect balance of their unique characteristics. The synthesis of this incredible terroir, combined with meticulous work in the cellar, results in an exceptional wine.

Tasting notes

Ruby red with garnet highlights. On the nose, ripe red fruit aromas emerge with delicate spice, licorice, and undergrowth. Great complexity, an incisive sip and persistent tannins. Deep and elegant.

Food pairing

Barolo is the ideal match for important dishes, such as traditional Piedmontese meat courses and aged or blue cheeses. Exploring international pairings, in the United States it is perfect with Angus, Wagyu, local ox, longhorn in the Baltimora pit beef cut, with filet Chateaubriand. After several years of bottle aging, this wine is perfect for meditation, ideally enjoyed with a piece of fine dark chocolate. But of course, if you simply want to enjoy a “special” toast, Barolo is always the perfect choice! Serving temperature: 18°C.