Riserva Barolo (1971)

About this wine

The 1971 Valfieri Barolo Riserva is a testament to the aging potential of Nebbiolo, offering a bouquet of dried roses, leather, and earthy notes. On the palate, it presents flavors of tart cherry, tobacco, and a hint of truffle, characteristic of well-aged Barolo. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, lingering finish. This vintage hails from an excellent year in Piedmont, known for producing wines with remarkable depth and longevity. As with many aged Barolos, decanting is recommended to fully appreciate its evolved complexity.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1971 Valfieri Riserva Barolo, is renowned for its late ripening and high tannins, necessitating careful cultivation in Piedmont's Barolo region. Its name, derived from 'nebbia' (fog), reflects the misty conditions during its late October harvest. Historically, Nebbiolo was favored by Italian nobility, earning Barolo the title 'the wine of kings.' The 1971 vintage is particularly notable, as it predates the 'Barolo Wars,' a period in the 1980s and 1990s when traditional and modern winemaking techniques clashed, leading to significant evolution in Barolo production.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1971 vintage in Barolo is celebrated for its exceptional quality, with wines from this year often displaying remarkable longevity and complexity.
• 🏰 Valfieri, established in 1961, is a relatively young winery by Italian standards, yet it has quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality Barolo wines.
• 🍇 Barolo wines, including the 1971 Valfieri Riserva, are made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's ability to age gracefully over decades.
• 💎 The 1971 Valfieri Barolo Riserva is considered a collector's item, with bottles occasionally appearing at auctions and commanding significant interest from wine enthusiasts.
• 👑 Barolo is often referred to as the 'King of Wines and the Wine of Kings,' a testament to its esteemed status and historical association with nobility.

Palate profile

Producer

Valfieri was established in 1961 by Rosangela Clerici Riccadonna in Alba, Italy. In 1981, the winery relocated to a restored 17th-century villa in Costigliole d'Asti, a prime area in the Monferrato wine region. In 2020, Valfieri became part of the Mura Mura family, allowing it to vinify Barbaresco and Barolo crus in Costigliole. The winery is known for blending traditional Piedmontese winemaking with modern techniques, producing wines that reflect both heritage and innovation.