Barale Fratelli, Langhe Nebbiolo, 2000
Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo

Vineyard Size: 4 acres

Annual Production: 1000 cases

Single Vineyard Name: Vigna Bussia

Appellation: Monforte d'Alba, Barolo

Region: Piedmont

Country: Italy

Topography: Hillside

Harvest: Mid-October

Alcohol Content: 13.5% volume

Vinification:

The grapes are handpicked in Mid-October. Temperature-controlled fermentation in steel tanks for a period of 10-12 days with frequent immersing of the skins. It is matured for about one year in French oak casks of medium capacity (15-25 hectolitres) and is then refined in the bottle for at least 6 months. This Nebbiolo undergoes no clarification or
filtration and no type of chemical or physical stabilizing process.

Tasting Notes:

Fratelli Barale’s wine glides in gracefully at low altitude then takes you soaring with a mosaic of Bing cherry, limestone, and flowers. Citron and cherry blossom in the nose; a wistful finish that harkens back to the minerals. Gorgeous and graceful. If it was a performer? A ballerina -- one that likes to eat! Very food friendly: braised duck; filet mignon with bordelaise sauce; lamb chops cilantro; stuffed squash with bulgar wheat and feta; alu gobi; mater paneer; angel hair pasta and almond-pea pesto. Barolo producers usually reserve their best nebbiolo grapes for making Barolo but Fratelli Barale tends two hectares of the Bussia Vineyard for his Langhe Nebbiolo, made from Barolo-quality grapes. Great price for world class wine.