Barolo (2012)

About this wine

The 2016 Villa Rosa Barolo opens with floral aromas of rose, dogwood, and violet. On the palate, it presents dark fruit flavors, complemented by hints of leather and spice. The tannins are round yet structured, leading to a long, persistent finish. This wine was aged for two years in large French and Slavonian oak barrels, followed by one year in bottle, enhancing its complexity. Barolo, often referred to as 'the king of wines,' is renowned for its ability to age gracefully, developing deeper flavors over time.

About the grape

Nebbiolo is a grape variety native to Italy's Piedmont region, with records dating back to the 13th century. Its name likely comes from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for fog, referencing the mist that envelops vineyards during its late October harvest. Historically, Nebbiolo was used to produce sweet wines until the mid-19th century, when winemakers like Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, and French enologist Louis Oudart transformed it into the dry style now associated with Barolo. This shift elevated Barolo's status, earning it the title 'the wine of kings, the king of wines.' The 2016 Villa Rosa Barolo is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, adhering to the DOCG regulations that mandate 100% Nebbiolo content. Nebbiolo's late ripening and preference for calcareous marl soils contribute to the wine's distinctive characteristics.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2016 vintage of Villa Rosa Barolo is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, renowned for their high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's longevity and complexity.
• 👑 Barolo wines, including the 2016 Villa Rosa, are often referred to as the 'King of Wines' due to their robust structure and esteemed status in Italian viticulture.
• ☀️ The 2016 vintage in Piedmont was considered excellent, with a warm, dry summer leading to optimal ripening conditions for Nebbiolo grapes, resulting in wines with great balance and aging potential.
• 🌫️ Villa Rosa's Barolo is produced in the Piedmont region of Italy, an area celebrated for its foggy conditions, which are ideal for Nebbiolo grapes, as 'nebbia' means 'fog' in Italian.
• 🍷 The 2016 Villa Rosa Barolo has an alcohol content of 14%, aligning with the typical range for Barolo wines, which contributes to their full-bodied nature.

Palate profile

Producer

Villa Rosa is a historic estate located in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. The Cecchi Family acquired the property in 2015 from the Lucherini Bandini Family, who had meticulously maintained the land for nearly 70 years. Notably, the renowned wine taster Giulio Gambelli, a mutual friend of both families, regarded Villa Rosa's vineyards as among the finest for cultivating Sangiovese grapes. Following the acquisition, the Cecchi Family conducted comprehensive soil analyses to optimize the vineyard's potential, leading to the production of their inaugural Gran Selezione wine from the exceptional 2015 vintage.