Name: Elio Altare Barolo Unoperuno 2021 750ml
Brand: Elio Altare
SKU: 1017673
Price: 309.93 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95.8 (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.

VM 97pts

Vinous Media

The 2021 Barolo Unoperuno is fabulous. Silky tannins and lifted, beautifully articulated aromatics give the 2021 tons of allure. Deep and yet also translucent, the 2021 is an absolute delight. It is one of the best editions of this wine I have tasted. Cedar, blood orange, new leather and rose petal add an exotic flair. Unoperuno is a rare Barolo made from hand-destemmed fruit. It remains among the most distinctive wines in all of Piedmont.

WA 96pts

Wine Advocate

The Elio Altare 2021 Barolo Unoperuno shows a distinctive bouquet with aromas of cola, balsam herb and candied cherry. The wine's intensity is especially bright and vertical. The name Unoperuno refers to the grapes that are sorted "one by one." This is a blend of fruit from Arborina (La Morra), Cannubi (Barolo), Pernano (Castiglione Falletto), Sarmassa (Barolo) and Cerretta (Serralunga d'Alba). The wine sees 24 months in barrique with 20% new oak. There is muscle and power at the back, and that high 15% alcohol content does not go unnoticed. This is a release of 1,100 bottles.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

A bright, fresh, cherry-infused red, with hints of raspberry, tar, iron and toasty oak. Shuts down pretty quickly, leaving a lightly chewy feel, but there's plenty of stuffing and ripe red fruit. Best from 2030 through 2049.

DC 95pts

Decanter

Once again, Silvia Altare is marvellously off-trend. While a growing number of estates are experimenting with stem inclusion, she – with a team of 20 – hand destems each berry one by one ('unoperuno'). The hefty price tag reflects this painstaking effort. Intense aromas of rose, cherry and raspberry compote marry effortlessly with sweet spice oak inflections. The palate brings in smoky tea and cocoa, with tannins that are remarkably soft and silky for Nebbiolo, and acidity which is just as supple. Polished wood lends fine-grained texture. All very luxurious and disarming.

Winery Notes

Colour: Light ruby red with garnet reflections. Taste: Warm and elegant, smooth soft silky tannins. Nose: Fresh to the nose with fresh fruits; rose petals and flowers.