Name: Elio Altare Barolo Arborina 2015 750ml
Brand: Elio Altare
SKU: 891769
Price: 185.59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 91.5 (4 reviews)

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Winery Elio Altare

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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 2015 Barolo Arborina is a more rounded wine in this vintage, offering attractive ripe notes of apricot, crushed flowers, raspberries, and dried earth. The palate reveals medium-bodied richness, with a plush mid-palate, ripe tannins, noble structure, and a graceful and even finish. It’s showing very well at this stage, and for my taste, this is a vintage I would prefer to drink over the next several years, although it appears to be holding up quite evenly and should have another 10 years of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2035.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

The 2015 Barolo Arborina is soft, pretty and sensual. The warmth of the vintage has softened the typically hard young Arborina tannins, which in turn gives the wine more near-term approachability than is often the case. Floral, cedar and tobacco notes add an attractive upper register to this very pretty and nuanced Barolo from Altare.

WA 91pts

Wine Advocate

Tasted at the winery, I found the 2015 Barolo Arborina to be the most open and accessible of all the wines tasted during this session, perhaps to a fault. This vintage lacks some of the crunch and the nervousness of Nebbiolo in its youth, and I can't help but feel that the wine is slightly flattened out by the heat of the vintage. Dried berry and cherry is followed by spice and saddle leather. I am adjusting the drinking window downward as a result. Serve it alongside barbecued ribs.

WS 88pts

Wine Spectator

This ripe red features plum and carob notes, backed by firm tannins. Shows a hint of raisin. Drink now through 2028. 400 cases made, 250 cases imported.

Winery Notes

Color: Very intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Nose: Fresh nose, rose petals, flowers, ethereal, light, sweet. Taste: Warm and elegant, with smooth but intense tannins.