Elio Altare Barolo 2021

This wine originates from Italy, specifically the Piedmont region within the Barolo DOCG. The estate was established in 1948 by Giuseppe Altare, but it was his son, Elio Altare, who became a legendary visionary by disrupting regional traditions in the 1970s. Inspired by a trip to Burgundy, Elio introduced innovative techniques such as short macerations, the use of rotary fermenters, and aging in small French barriques—a 'modernist' approach that famously led him to take a chainsaw to his father's traditional large casks. Today, the winery is managed by Elio and his daughter Silvia Altare, maintaining a philosophy of minimal intervention, organic farming, and a deep respect for the land's unique terroir.

Wine Description

The 2021 Barolo is a classic expression of 100% Nebbiolo. It presents a youthful deep red color with garnet reflections. The nose is highly expressive and fragrant, offering a bouquet of candied cherries, cranberries, pressed roses, and fresh herbs, which evolve into deeper notes of licorice, spice, and a hint of butter biscuit. Unlike many of Altare's single-vineyard crus, this 'classico' bottling was raised entirely in used French barriques for 24 months to prioritize fruit purity over new oak influence.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, juicy, and racy. It shows remarkable energy with a spine of ripe acidity and refined, silky tannins. Tasters note a charming pop of dark raspberry and salty mineral accents on a long, persistent finish. Stylistically, it is a racy and succulent wine that balances the house's signature intensity with the refined, elegant nature of the vintage. The optimal drinking window for this vintage is suggested from 2026 through 2041.

Accolades

• 'Jeb Dunnuck - 94 points'

• 'Vinous (Antonio Galloni) - 92 points'

• 'Wine Advocate - 94 points'