Barolo Riserva DOCG
Vintage
2012
Country
Italy
Region
Piedmont
Producer
Cantina del Conte
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo
Low
stock
Tasting notes
The Barolo Riserva showcases a brilliant garnet red color with more pronounced orange shades as it ages.
Its bouquet is refined and persistent, offering delicate, ethereal notes of dried flowers, intense cherry and plum jams, and subtle spicy undertones.
On the palate, the wine is warm, full, and complex, characterized by its dry, harmonious nature and the presence of sweet, intricate tannins that promise excellent aging potential.
Food pairing
Cantina del Conte’s Barolo Riserva is an excellent companion to rich and robust dishes such as roasted and braised red meats, game, and mature cheeses.
Its complexity also makes it a perfect match for truffle-infused dishes, reflecting the culinary heritage of Piedmont.
Cantina del Conte Barolo Riserva DOCG
The Apex of Piedmontese Winemaking: Barolo Riserva
Barolo Riserva, produced by Cantina del Conte, represents an exceptional tier within the Barolo designation, reserved for wines from the most favorable vintages and subject to the most stringent aging requirements.
The designation "Riserva" signifies not only an extended aging period but also a selection of grapes from only the best years, ensuring a wine of profound complexity and longevity.
Region and Vineyard Excellence
This illustrious wine hails from vineyards in Castiglione Falletto and Grinzane Cavour, areas known for their optimal south-southwest exposure and an altitude of 300-400 meters. These factors contribute to the superior quality of the Nebbiolo grapes, which are cultivated in soil composed of compact, grey-blue marly limestone, rich in microelements.
The 40-year-old vines are densely planted (4,000 vines per hectare), which helps in maintaining high-quality grape production, with a controlled yield of 65 quintals per hectare.
Vinification and Aging Process
Cantina del Conte's Barolo Riserva undergoes a meticulous production process starting with destemming and pressing, followed by a long submerged-cap maceration. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, after which the wine matures for 18-20 months in the same vats to stabilize and develop its base characteristics. The pivotal phase of aging extends for 42-44 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, significantly enhancing the wine's complexity and flavor profile.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: Barolo Riserva DOCG
Vintage: Specific to the best years
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Alcohol Content: Typically around 14.5% Vol
Color: Deep garnet red with orange nuances
Aroma: Delicate, ethereal, intense, broad, and persistent
Taste: Warm, full, complex, dry, and harmonious
Ideal Serving Temperature: 18 – 22 °C
Recommended Glass: Large, tulip-shaped goblet
Aging: Minimum total aging of 62 months, including 42-44 months in Slavonian oak barrels
Storage: Capable of long-term aging, best stored in cool, underground cellars or stable low-temperature environments
Cantina del Conte's Barolo Riserva is not merely a wine; it is a testament to the winery's commitment to tradition and excellence, offering a luxurious and profound experience that resonates with the history and quality of the Langhe region. This Barolo Riserva is ideally consumed after it has had ample time to evolve, revealing its full spectrum of flavors and aromas.