Name: Elio Altare Barolo 2021 750ml
Brand: Elio Altare
SKU: 1017668
Price: 81.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 92.8 (5 reviews)

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Winery

Elio Altare

Shop all from Elio Altare

Varietal

Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation

Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

JD 94pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Barolo is a youthful deep red color and is expressive on the nose with notes of candied cherries, cranberries, pressed roses, dusty earth, and fresh herbs. Unlike the previous wines tasted for this report, it was raised without the use of new oak and entirely in used barrels. Medium-bodied, it’s a blend from sites across four communes, including Castiglione Falletto, Sarmassa in Barolo, Bricco Ambrogio in Roddi, and Sorano in Serralunga d’Alba. It has a fantastic and even structure, with a spine of ripe acidity, refined tannins, and salty mineral accents, which bring exceptional energy to the wine. Drink over the next 15 or so years.

WA 93pts

Wine Advocate

The Elio Altare 2021 Barolo offers a classical interpretation of the grape done in the house style that prizes extraction, intensity and sweet fruitiness. You get all of that here, exceptionally well presented in this epic vintage. Fruit is blended from Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, La Morra and Novello, and the wine sees 24 months in used barrique. Production is 11,000 bottles.

WS 93pts

Wine Spectator

Shows density and richness, with its tactile texture enveloping flavors of black cherry, earth, tar and mineral. Tightens up on the finish yet remains balanced. Be patient. Best from 2029 through 2043.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2021 Barolo is a juicy, open-knit wine that will drink well on release but also has the pedigree to age well for a number of years. Crushed flowers, sweet red-toned fruit, new leather, spice and cedar build as this racy, succulent Barolo shows off its considerable charms. This is such a classy wine, one that shows the refined nature of the vintage off beautifully.

DC 92pts

Decanter

Despite being firmly rooted in La Morra, Elio Altare's Barolo brings together fruit from tiny plots in the surrounding villages. In 2021, Pernanno in Castiglione Falletto, Sarmassa in Barolo, Bricco Ambrogio in Roddi, and Sorana in Serralunga make up the component parts for a cohesive and congruent whole. Subtlety scented with red berries, hints of dark chocolate and rosemary, its mid-palate weight lends some girth, while tactile texture comes from the oak frame and fine-grained tannins. A charming pop of dark raspberry floods the finish. Quite an easy-to-drink package but with enough substance and depth for the next seven to eight years.

Winery Notes

Color: Very intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Nose: Fresh scents of small red fruits, raspberry, redcurrant and wild roses that evolve into licorice and spice notes. Taste: Warm, elegant, persistent with a long finish, soft tannins.