2013 Cascina Chicco Barolo Rocche del Castelletto

Bridled with sweet cherry, berry, floral and licorice flavors, this red picks up a saline note as it evolves and unfolds to the finish. The elegant profile fits the delicate flavors and plays out on the long aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2035. 3,500 cases made, 750 cases imported...92 pts WS 

Variety of vine: 100% Nebbiolo

Vineyard position: Castelletto, in the township of Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy.

Southwest and west exposure, in a zone particularly well-suited for growing Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo.

Soil: Clayey-limestone

Date of harvest: Second half of October

Wine-making: In this vineyard, because the yield per vine must not exceed 2 kg, two thinnings are done – one at the beginning and one at the end of August.

During harvest, which is done manually by specialized vineyard workers, particular attention is given to the grape sorting. Each plant is harvested twice with a period of 6-10 days in between.

Fermentation lasts 15 days and happens in small, stainless steel tanks with repeated pumping-over for adequate color extraction. Maceration continues after fermentation for a total of 40-45 days. After, the wine is transferred to wood barrels of 2,000, 2,500, and 5,000 liters. Here is where malolactic fermentation begins, as the wine rests for 30 months before being transferred, once again, to stainless steel tanks where it will remain for 8 months. After about 4 years from the date of harvest, the wine is ready to be put on the market.

On the nose, this wine is elegant, with complex notes of raspberry, liquorice, and spices. It is full-bodied, powerful, and balanced by the sweetness of the tannins that characterize its lasting impression on the palate.