Lano Gianluigi - Barbaresco "Rocche Massalupo" D.O.C.G. 2018 750ML (14.5% ABV)

How do you know when a vineyard is truly something great? When a hyper-meticulous grower/winemaker decides the quality of its fruit is *so* unmatched... that he'll eschew all other (highly esteemed) vineyards in the region to focus exclusively on this one. This is 100% organically farmed Nebbiolo from one of the greatest Cru vineyards in all of Piedmont. Lano's organically farmed vineyards are untamed, wild-looking and positively brimming with life... and you can taste it in the bottle. On the juicier side of Nebbiolo's spectrum, it's nevertheless balanced and proper, with classic aromas of red cherry, currant, blood orange, tobacco, dried rose petals, and a hint of tar.

The Rocche Massalupo cru sits at the southern edge of the Barbaresco growing zone, as does the Lano family cantina, in the village of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio. Exceedingly pretty, silky, and evoking both mineral-rich earth and ripe, sun-kissed fruit. We would pair it with yogurt crusted lamb chops and grilled broccolini.

The Lano winery was one of the first wineries in the Langhe to receive organic certification and had been practicing organic viticulture long before that certification was obtainable. Reason being that the Italian authorities took quite a long time to formalize those regulations. Aside from the fantastic Barbaresco from his tiny piece (1.3 Hectares) of Rocche Massalupo, the Barbera and Freisa wines are benchmarks. To quote Ian D'Agata in a recent "Terroir Sense" article,"Another important fact about Lano is that it makes wine with most of the Langhe’s red grapes and the wines are all exceptional, not something that is so common (most estates, understandably enough, excel with one grape variety or two at most)" Most people think of only 3 communes as being in the Barbaresco zone, yet in fact it includes a small piece of a fourth, that being San Rocco Seno D'Elvio whose wines tend towards early accessability or drinkability.

Aromas recalling white truffle, blue flower, leather and hazelnut appear in the glass on this fragrant red along with cherry extract. Palate is still youthfully taut, offering juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, crushed mint and star anise alongside firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2026–2034. — 93 w.e.

Vine Age: Planted in the 1960's
Vineyard Exposure: South, South-West
Soil: Calcareous, tending to clay
Altitude: 250m
Vinification: Native yeasts, 13-15 day maceration in cement with frequent punch downs
Temperature Control: No
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes, spontaneous
Aging: 24 months in 25hl older oak barrels
Fining/Filtering: No
Enclosure: DIAM Synthetic cork

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