Tasting Note
A second wine from the Gavarini vineyard, from a plot known as Chiniera. While delivering the same potency (14.5%) as its stablemate Casa Mate, this is altogether more restrained and classically styled. A convincing amalgam of fruit, keen structure and harmony, a wine that can be savoured even today. One of those special wines that will be enjoyed at every stage of its evolution. The beauty of barolo is here.
Region Details
Piedmont is a powerhouse for quality wine in Italy, with a number of producers, traditional and forward-thinking, leading the charge. Both barolo and barbaresco have been transformed in the last thirty years, so that the old definitions no longer apply. Nebbiolo remains the noble grape but viticulture, vinification - and pricing - have changed irrevocably. Modern wines are elegant, rich and fruit-focused, with a fine veneer of new oak; even traditional wines are less woody and display sleeker tannins than in the days of yore, and the caricature of pruney, blood-coloured and astringent barolo, or of soft-centred and overstretched barbaresco is now consigned to history. The region delivers a multitude of wines from other grapes too, white, red, sweet and sparkling, and a near-unbroken run of good and great vintages since the mid-nineties have added to the appeal.
Vintage Notes
2000 - Italy
In Piemonte a mixed season presented its challenges, with atypically cool weather in July and a scorching August. Hail afflicted the Alba region too, reducing the potential crop. The rapid late summer ripening resulted in an early harvest and, while yields were moderate, the quality of the Nebbiolo was very good, with both Barolo and Barbaresco showing concentration, body and fine acidity. This continued the unbroken run of very fine vintages from 1997 to 2001. In Tuscany, the same conditions led to water stress and, while the harvest was also uncommonly early, there was a risk of unbalanced maturity in the Chiantis, with soft acidity and yet marked tannins. Wines are likely to mature relatively early. A very good year for Montepulciano.
Grape Variety
The most noble of Piedmont's red grapes where it is used alone in the production of both barolo and barbaresco. A late ripening variety, it is prone to poor autumnal weather; but in the right conditions it soars to heights of complexity, offering both tannic structure and delicacy. When young it exhibits an array of aromas and flavours, with violets, plum and even tar present, and has the potential to age magnificently. Always notably crisp, usually high in alcohol, it needs sensitive handling to avoid astringency. For this reason it has rarely translated successfully to other growing regions.
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