Nothing beats mature Burgundy – except maybe mature Barolo. Nothing beats a mature Barolo – except mature Barolos at ridiculously low prices.
The best wine of Piedmont – Barolos, indeed have something Burgundian about them. Quite tannic in their youth, only time in the cellar resolves the tannins and allows the seductive nature of the Nebbiolo grape to come through. It is then that they display a purity and balance that call to mind the finest Pinot Noirs. This is the biggest Barolo sale we’ve ever had. In fact, it’s the greatest old Barolo sale we’ve ever seen!
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino
Alessandro Fantino spent ten years as winemaker for the legendary Bartolo Mascarello before starting his own small winery with his brother Gian Natale. The estate is the only one in the center of the old city at Monforte d'Alba, and the cellar, parts of which date as far back as the 1600's, is a lovely sight worth visiting just for its aesthetic qualities. Their vineyards are limited to under 10 hectares contained in the Vigna dei Dardi site, which imparts an unusually clear rendition of specific vintages. Like Mascarello, the Fantino brothers are wholeheartedly dedicated to the traditions of the Langhe, and they harbor a profound respect for Mother Nature.
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Vigna dei Dardi 1998
This is an excellent Barolo that takes advantage of an excellent vintage. It presents a refined nose of blackberry jam and mushrooms. The palate opens up on a cocoa powder theme and finishes with powerful yet refined tannins.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $72.99
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Vigna dei Dardi 1999
The 1999 Barolo, with aromas of licorice, leather, roses, and game, is made in a traditional style with flavors that echo the nose. Its finesse works well with the underlying strength of the Nebbiolo tannins and balanced acidity. Classic in a particularly "Old World" style.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $69.99
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Vigna dei Dardi 2000
Huge black fruit aromas and flavors, with plum, blackberry and cherry. This is a generous straightforward Barolo, with velvety tannins and a luxurious finish. Softer and richer than other vintages, this is drinking perfectly now.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $74.99
Gianfranco Bovio
For many world travelers, the name Gianfranco Bovio will call to mind restaurant Belvedere in Piemonte, which is famous for its breathtaking panoramic view of La Morra as well as its outstanding cuisine. But for the proprietor a world renowned restaurant was not enough. In 1977, just a few years after taking control of Belvedere, Gianfranco dove into a new project dedicated to rebuilding his father's wine estate, which at that point comprised just three hectares of Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. He went on to purchase seven more hectares and enlisted the expertise of Walter Porasso, who still oversees every step of production with some aid from consultants Beppe Caviola and Federico Curtaz. Bovio's project has been an unmistakable success, creating a wide range of wines that exemplify the terroir of La Morra. Bovio is now comprised of 10 hectares of crus in the prime slopes of Arborina, Gattera, and Rocchettevino. Here in La Morra with his respectful approach to Barolo, Bovio brings out the more feminine characteristics of Nebbiolo, typically displaying notes of earth, flowers, and elegance.
Gianfranco Bovio Barolo Vigna Gattera dell'Annunziata 1993
The 1993 Barolo Gattera shows an impressively scarlet color with a slight bricking at the edge, followed by aromas of spicy black-cherries, and tar. Rich and well-focused, this well-concentrated Barolo possesses completely integrated tannin and acidity. This is a rare opportunity to taste a fully mature Barolo at a fantastic price.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $74.99
Gianfranco Bovio Barolo Vigna Vigna Aborina 1998
Dark ruby red to the rim. Exceptionally forward nose, wine decanted, mineral, vanilla and dark fruits show quickly in a beautiful mixed general aroma. The palate is hugely tannic but bright acidity and lively fruit contribute to one of the best Bovio Barolo we've tasted.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $74.99
Cantine Giacomo Ascheri
The Ascheri family has been making wine in Italy's Piedmont since the beginning of the 19th century. A locality with the family name still exists in the township of La Morra, marking the spot of their original vineyard holdings. In 1880, the Ascheris moved their wine cellar to the town of Bra, near Alba. This town offered fine road connections to the city of Turin, the principal market for their wines. The cellar has remained in Bra to this day.
Cantine Giacomo Ascheri Barolo Sorano 2001
According to our good friend Bevetroppo - "Luscious, ripe, fruit driven Barolo. Intensely perfumed with aromas of anise and tar, but beautifully balanced with deep ripe cranberry flavors and solid structure. A beefy style Barolo, at least at this relatively early juncture, with a long and promising future. Not for the shy, but neither do you need to don a helmet and shield to thoroughly enjoy it".
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $62.99
Cantine Giacomo Ascheri Barolo Coste & Bricco 2001
This is a wine made from a couple of parcels in the Sorano vineyard, and only in good vintages; it is somewhere between blood red and brick colored, and has an elegant bouquet, with leather and spice mingled with warm berry fruit, some rose petal and underlying peppery notes. On the palate it's equally nice, with elegant red berry fruit supported by crisp acidity and velvety smooth tannins.
$39.99 ON SALE | REGULARLY $62.99
